WIT sports complex set to run €4.3m over budget

A proposed sports complex for Waterford Institute of Technology could run over budget by €4.3m because of “inadequate leadership”, a lack of due diligence, and decisions that made “no sense”and which led to the project being suspended mid-construction, according to the former head of the company responsible for the project.

Construction of phase three of the project, which promised a sports hall, a laboratory and classroom wing, and a two-storey fitness centre, commenced in January 2012 but had stopped by the following September.

Eugene McKenna, former chief executive of WIT Diverse Campus Services, has claimed WIT’s attempts to consolidate the incorporated company as a subsidiary of the college directly led to the deferral of works on the Carriganore Sports Campus.