Building contractor BAM is warning of "significant delays" to the construction of the National Children's Hospital due to public health restrictions - claiming delays will continue until a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available.
Work has not resumed at the site since the COVID-19 lockdown was eased, leading to concerns that the stoppage may already have cost the taxpayer an additional €30 million.
The contractor says it is "unfair" that they should shoulder the cost burden resulting from the health measures, and that the contract with the Government has "no mechanism" for dealing with the situation.
In a statement, BAM said no more than 1,000 staff can be 'safely deployed' at the site, compared to an estimated 2,000 people needed 'at peak'.
They said: "Given the progress on the site in the months prior to lockdown, a significant proportion of the current work is indoors or covered and this may further reduce the number of workers that can be safely engaged.
"The consequences of these public health restrictions are significant delays which will continue until there is a vaccine widely available, as well as additional costs on a once-off and ongoing basis."
This afternoon, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said builders should get back on site and continue working on the National Children's Hospital.
He said: "If they have the interests of the children of Ireland, they should get back on the site and start building.
"I'm fed up of claim and counter-claim - I'm saying to people get back on the site and start working."
Board response
Meanwhile, the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board - the organisation overseeing the new hospital project - has said extra payments for public works due to the pandemic does not apply to the children's hospital as it is a 'bespoke contract'.
They say the claims process for extra costs are now ongoing, but that it has been clear that the contractor "should meet its contractual obligation by returning to the site without further delay".
Earlier, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe told Newstalk Breakfast that the stand-off that has halted construction on the €1.7 billion hospital is “really frustrating and disappointing.”
He said: “There is a legal process underway and the key thing now is a focus on the project, on children and getting best value for the taxpayer at a difficult moment."
