Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

This is by no means to be taken as suggesting or implying that deficiencies did not occur in cost estimation and control. Undoubtedly they did. In response, the NRA has strengthened its cost estimation, control and procurement procedures. This is designed to have more accurate cost estimates from the earliest stages of a project and to ensure greater certainty of outturn costs between tender stage and completion date.

Improvements put in place include greater use of the more efficient and cost effective design and build lump sum fixed price contracts, appointment of a cost estimation specialist who reviews all cost estimates, benchmarking of tender and scheme outturn costs, design and construction standards established by publication of the NRA specification for roadworks and design manual for roads and bridges, and better site investigations to limit the scope for claims by contractors related to site conditions.

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