Domestic firms dominate bids for N Ireland schools work

Domestic contractors dominated Northern Ireland's controversial £500m Schools Modernisation framework this week, with Laing O'Rourke the only outside firm on the eight-strong list.

The other seven framework members are all from Northern Ireland. The line-up includes: Graham Construction McLaughlin & Harvey P Elliot/McCombe Brothers Gilbert Ash/Glasgiven Contracts Bowen Construction/Mascott Construction: FHT (Farrans/Heron Brothers/Tracy Brothers) and Trinity (David Patton & Sons/H&J Martin/Felix O'Hare). Laing O'Rourke is in joint venture with Belfast firm Turkington.

The first contract in the framework is already up for grabs and all eight members have been invited to bid for a £4m contract to rebuild Lisnagelvin Primary School in Derry.

But the framework could be retendered if a legal challenge from an unsuccessful bidder is upheld.

Woodvale Construction (Henry Brothers/FB McKee) claims the procurement process used contravenes UK and EU competition laws. At a preliminary hearing last month, Mr Justice Coghlin ruled "a serious question" was to be answered. The case is due for a second hearing at Northern Ireland's High Court this week. If successful, the case would impact on the way all government framework contracts are procured.

The framework is the first phase of Northern Ireland's £3.2bn schools modernisation programme. It will run for four years until an Education and Skills Authority is set up. This body will then engage four regional strategic partners to deliver the rest of the work.