Blow for Strule Campus as sole contractor's tender exceeds budget

EXTREME disappointment has been voiced by members of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council at the latest delay to the Strule Shared Education Campus project, with an estimated completion date now pushed back to 2027.

The Regeneration and Community Committee meeting was informed while the works contract had gone out for tender only one offer was received which “exceeds the budget by some margin”.

While not in itself an obstacle, the Department advised it is now engaging in a negotiation process around tender refinement, which will take some time .

It is unlikely the contract would be awarded before September 2023 with construction not commencing before Spring 2024, thereby delaying full campus opening until 2027.

It was stressed the Department remain committed to the project and staff are “working diligently to maintain momentum.”

Independent Councillor Josephine Deehan described this as: “A disappointing development. My heart sank when I read it is going to be another five years before our pupils can enjoy the benefits a shared campus can bring.

"It’s not surprising the construction costs are rising and it’s also disappointing there is just one tender.

"What are these negotiations the Department is entering into to try to bring the costs down? Are they going to deviate from the original design? This doesn’t bode well.”

She also noted a separate communication from the Education Authority in relation to the provision of a hockey pitch referred to the Strule Campus as imminent: “So clearly there’s a lack of communication. It’s definitely not imminent.”

Councillor Deehan proposed writing to the Department expressing disappointment and encouraging matters proceed with utmost haste as: “This was a flagship project which should have been delivered ten years ago but it’s turning into another A5 saga.”

Seconding, councillor Errol Thompson, Democratic Unionist recalled attending a site visit two months ago at which Education Authority staff were present: “So to see them not knowing what’s going on is very disappointing. They were up to speed. If this project isn’t going to happen until 2027 we need existing schools brought up to standard.”

Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh, CCLA said the situation is “genuinely shocking” as on-site work began in 2013 when it was hailed by the Northern Ireland Executive, but put off until 2020, then 2025 and now 2027

“This is another shambolic episode,” he remarked. “The poor communication between those charged to deliver this project is almost ludicrous.

"This was to bring children together and was sold as a great new beginning of collaboration of political parties.”

Ulster Unionist councillor Rosemary Barton told members: “I’m not sure 2027 will be the end date or if we will hear of more delays.

"I have concerns about the Department negotiating with the contractor around price. Are they looking at cutting corners?

"I hope not. It’s also distressing to see such disconnect between the Education Authority and the department”.

Councillor Emmet McAleer, independent, agreed with the comparison to the A5 project adding the Strule Campus: “Hasn’t progressed in the way it was supposed to.

"It’s shocking there’s only one tender and it’s way over budget. I’d request we enquire how widely the tender was advertised that only one applicant responded, after the process was delayed.

"To me it doesn’t stack up and it’s likely the costs will increase further.

"We’ve seen projects that have gone massively over-budget and who foots that bill? The tax-payer and the rate-payer.”

Final speaker council chairman, councillor Barry McElduff, Sinn Fein, suggested members meet with departmental officials including the Permanent Secretary as well from the Education Authority as “They entered into an agreement to meet with us regularly but that hasn’t happened for a long time.

"There is a directorate (within the department) with a single remit to deliver this project. It’s high time we had a round-table meeting with the individuals concerned.”

Members unanimously agreed to take matters forward with both the department and Education Authority.