Senator Cummins says everything on track for SETU engineering building

A new planning application was submitted last week regarding the long-awaited engineering building at SETU.

A previously granted planning application for the building from 2019, is due to expire on December 17, of this year. No building works have commenced at the site since the planning application was granted permission.

Speaking on the new submission, Cummins said: "The Planning and Development Act only allows for an extension of duration to a planning period of five years where works have been substantially completed. Given that the project is not substantially complete, it was always the case that this file would have to be resubmitted for planning. I don't anticipate any difficulties from an approval perspective".

He added: "I am on record as expressing my deep dissatisfaction with the delays which have been encountered with this PPP process to date.

Recently, Senator Cummins said he looked forward to an announcement being made shortly with regard to the PPP Engineering and General Teaching building, commenting: “Contrary to what some may say, final tender prices were submitted in April of this year for the five building PPP bundle and significant due diligence has been conducted since due to only one remaining consortia remaining in the process...the Taoiseach has been very clear that a decision will be made shortly."

With new application now submitted, raising concerns over potential delays, Senator Cummins said that he stands by the comment: "My statement that a decision will be made shortly still stands."

"The resubmission of planning is something which had to be done," he said.

"An extension of duration could not be given as the project is not substantially completed."