Tom Parlon, director general of the Construction Industry Federation (CFI)
“I’ve been extremely busy, but I am taking the opportunity now. I am very happy to clarify that situation.”
– Tom Parlon, @CIF_Ireland, tells #TodayRTE why he didn’t clarify earlier, that he “misspoke” on Tuesday in saying cost of Children’s Hospital could rise 40%. @RTERadio1
— Today RTÉ Radio 1 (@TodayRadioRTE) May 22, 2020
This morning.
On RTÉ Radio One’s Today with Sarah McInerney, director general of the Construction Industry Federation Tom Parlon (top) said he misspoke when he told the special Covid-19 committee on Tuesday that construction costs may rise by 40%.
He said the 40% figure actually represented a loss in productivity.
He told Ms McInerney that he hadn’t clarified his comments since because he has been very busy.
Meanwhile, at Tuesday’s committee meeting, he said:
“The industry is building data centres, highly sophisticated pharmaceutical plants, IT plants and so on. The industry has suggested the extra cost to complete such projects while the very strict regime is in place could be as much as 40%.
“One of the big sites had 1,800 people on site. Under the new physical distancing measures, the maximum allowed will be 500 to 600. That will extend the period of building. The cost of having cranes and other facilities on site will increase. That will have to be worked out.”
Later, he had this exchange:
Duncan Smith: “We all expect to live with these measures for an extended period of time. To clarify, Mr. Parlon is saying that the cost of a large complex project such as the children’s hospital could increase by 40% during the extended period in which we will be living with these measures.”
Tom Parlon: “People in the industry have said that to me. For the most complicated projects, the increase could be in the range of 40%.”
Also, later, he said:
“To clarify, I did not make that suggestion with regard to the children’s hospital. That will be subject to many negotiations. The Deputy mentioned the hospital but I referred to complex sites that will involve a great deal of fitting out. I am sure the children’s hospital will fit into that category. Some of our industry professionals have suggested the increase in cost for such projects could be as high as 40%. I am sure that is negotiable. That will all be worked out.”
Transcript via Oireachtas.ie