School of Music work hopefully to start by March

HOPES have been raised that work could begin soon on the €60 million Cork School of Music with German company Hochtief taking over responsibility for the project from Jarvis, the British company involved in the original deal with the Government.

Financial difficulties at Jarvis since the summer have added further delays to the project, which was already stalled by European budgetary constraints on the Government until the go-ahead was announced last March.

Because of these problems, the Department of Education was waiting until the company’s financial status was secure before entering final contract negotiations with Jarvis.

But the German company Hochtief, which last month bought Jarvis’ Private

Finance Initiative business, has also taken over its obligations in respect of five Irish second-level schools and the Cork School of Music.

A Jarvis spokesperson confirmed the development last night and it is expected that the move should clear the way for contract talks to recommence and possible site work to begin in the next few months.

Hochtief has until the end of next month to gain approval from the Department of Education and the banks for the assignment of the Irish schools contract.

The company has already submitted documents to the department and site work, including demolition, could begin by March if discussions proceed smoothly.

It is not expected that the current delay will have any implications on the school design.

Up to a year ago, hopes remained high that the building might open during Cork’s year as European Capital of Culture but various delays have put that target well beyond reach.

The latest news comes as staff expressed their frustration and declining morale, having vacated the college’s old building on Union Quay more than three years ago to facilitate construction of the new school.

“Approaching Christmas 2004, the site remains a derelict eyesore,” said Teachers’ Union of Ireland Cork colleges branch chairman Pat Ahern.

“The staff and students are still squeezed into Moore’s Hotel, Connolly Hall and a number of equally unsuitable premises throughout the city.”

He said that, despite the latest development, staff and students should be moved to more suitable premises in the absence of a credible timetable for completion.