Assembly Written Question 18230/17-22

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, pursuant to AQW 16422/17-22, (i) for an update on any costs his Department has determined thus far associated with the halting of work, including for consultants, engineers and other services; and (ii) whether this issue has been raised at Executive.

Answer: Further to AQW 16422/17-22 and the instruction issued to the contractors on 2 April 2021 advising them to move to a controlled stop DAERA have not received any contractor compensation claims to date.

The controlled stop, which triggered a compensation event was for an initial period of six weeks and was extended for a further three weeks on 6 May 2021. Full costs associated with the controlled stop will be clear following further scoping work and discussions with contractors. Further clarity will also be provided when compensation claims are received and any adjudication process completed.

Any additional costs incurred in relation to these works will be captured in the development of the Full Business Case (FBC). As the proposals will be significant, cross-cutting and controversial, following completion of the FBC, I intend to take options for consideration and decision to the Northern Ireland Executive.