Senator John Cummins speaks on SETU engineering building dilemma

A new planning application has been submitted this week regarding the long-awaited engineering building at South East Technological University (SETU) on the Cork Road.

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.

The new planning application has raised concerns regarding how much further the development may be delayed.

Deputy Matt Shanahan told the Waterford News & Star this week: “It’s quite obvious now this project will be kicked into next year and beyond, and bear in mind all the while, this is a project build of two and a half, possibly even three years before it will receive students.

"It’s not a good look...I'm very disappointed, but I shouldn’t be, because I've seen what goes on."

Senator John Cummins however, said this week that he doesn’t predict any approval difficulties to arise due to the latest application. Explaining the reason for the latest application submission, he 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.

“As the application has not been materially altered in any way from what was previously approved by Waterford City and County Council, 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.

“The National Delivery Finance Agency have been managing this process since 2020. Four consortiums were shortlisted in 2021, to enter into a competitive dialogue process, however complexities surrounding construction inflation and other matters resulted in only one tenderer submitting a final price in March/April 2024.

“Naturally this has led to increased scrutiny around costs and value for money for the taxpayer, resulting in delays to the conclusion of the tender".

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.

“I have been working very hard with my Fine Gael government colleagues to bring this matter to conclusion and 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 that a decision will soon be made: "My statement that a decision will be made shortly still stands. The resubmission of planning is something which had to be done. An extension of duration could not be given as the project is not substantially completed.

“I anticipate construction commencing as soon as is practical following the completion of the tender process and the signing of contracts. As with any project of this scale, it takes time to assemble on site before works can commence but all site preparatory works are complete".

Full reaction from Matt Shanahan is available here