Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand what the Deputy is saying and I have indicated in my reply that this is regarded as a priority project. We recognise the difficulties, such as the planning appeal, the lay out of the road and so on. Equally, the Deputy will understand that I cannot compromise a tender process. This is a commercially confidential process and there are very strict procedures for the award of public contracts, how those who are successful and those who are not should be notified as the process goes forward, and bidders can challenge a tender outcome before a contract is signed. I have to be aware of that. In the event that any company in an examinership is a bidder in this project that would be taken into account under the legal procedures that apply. The matter of who is involved, who is successful and what procedures will occur is commercially confidential and I have to respect that confidentiality. The Deputy would appreciate the concern that some disruption to the tender process would be the cause of further delay. He would be the first to point the finger at the failure to respect the terms of a tender. I regret that is all I can say to the Deputy at this point but I understand that it is a priority for the school community, and I understand the frustration it has suffered.

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