Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney has backed a suite of measures introduced by the Government to ensure the future delivery of major infrastructural projects.
Minister Canney said: “The necessary restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 crisis have impacted on the construction sector.
“I am pleased that my colleague, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, has announced measures to support the construction industry so that the Government’s blueprint for development under Project Ireland 2040 can be resumed and delivered as quickly as possible.
“A sustainable and flexible construction industry is vital to Ireland’s economy and its ability to recover when the crisis is over. These measures will reduce the risks created by the imposition of regulations under the current public health guidelines.
“Planning carefully for the resumption of these important Government-funded projects will also provide a stimulus to economic recovery.”
The measures provide for:
Detailed consideration by the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board and key delivery agencies as to how a phased and orderly restart can best be achieved.
Continuation of the planning and preparation of projects in the Project Ireland 2040 pipeline by Departments to facilitate a timely restart and acceleration of certain projects to support construction activity as the sector recovers.
Extending the tender deadlines by six weeks for all tenders associated with construction and construction services contracts, giving businesses an opportunity to assess the impact of restrictions on their tender.
Deferring the award of contracts for construction and construction services contracts unless there are compelling reasons to do so.
Ensuring that pre-construction design work continues up to a state of pre-tender readiness so that projects are ready to go to tender once the Public Health Measures are relaxed.
Extending ex gratia interim payments to contractors on public works contracts to cover certain non-pay fixed costs associated with site closures from April 12 2020 until midnight on May 4 2020 and subject to further extension should the current restrictions continue.

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
April 16 2020