Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A sum of €9.9 million for third level building projects was unspent in 2012. The main reason for this was the difficulties associated with the building project at St. Patrick's teacher training college in Drumcondra. This substantial project was tendered and, subsequently, a contractor was appointed in 2010. However, the contractor later ceased trading and a receiver was appointed. While the project has been re-tendered, progress in the selection of a contractor has been slower than expected and building work did not commence in 2012. When did the contractor go bust? What is position on the legal enforceabilty of the commitments the Department entered into with the contractor before he ceased trading? What was the total contract value? Given he subsequently ceased trading, what was the additional cost to the taxpayer for the re-tendering? It is always a messy job to go on to a site left by another contractor with somebody else having to pick up the pieces. When will the new contractor be on site?