Pledge to salvage school projects after firm collapses
The Welsh Government has pledged to deliver as many projects as possible in the wake of the collapse of construction company Dawnus.
The firm had contracts to build the two new super schools in Welshpool and an all-through school in Machynlleth.
The latter is yet to be built but one of the Welshpool schools is already part-built, and gates to the site remain locked after the company went into administration.
Politicians have been calling for answers over the company's collapse, and now the government has given assurances.
Labour Mid and West Wales AM Joyce Watson wanted assurances workers would be protected as well as the Powys projects.
Ms Watson explained: "The collapse of Dawnus Construction sent shockwaves through the industry and across the county.
"The Swansea-based company had been contracted to build three schools in Montgomeryshire: two new primaries in Welshpool – one English medium, one Welsh medium – and a replacement for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen in Machynlleth.
"Following the announcement that it was going into administration, I tabled an urgent Senedd question.
"As well as the Powys projects, I asked economy minister Ken Skates about support for the company’s 700 workers and sub-contractors. He promised to protect the public purse and deliver as many of the projects as possible.
"I was relieved to learn, too, that the government is in talks with training provider CITB to ensure former Dawnus apprentices can finish their training.
"Big, long-term building projects are hugely important training grounds for young people. It is a point I made at a recent meeting of the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills committee, when I recounted meeting 18 apprentices at the under-construction Newtown bypass."
