Faroese construction industry criticises finance committee’s rejection of new hospital plans

The Faroese Construction Advisory Council has sharply criticised a finance committee report that dismisses local industry involvement in building a new patient hotel in the capital Tórshavn, calling the decision “unfortunate and incorrect,” national broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya reports.

Committee chair Árni Jakobsen told KVF the report—due for parliamentary debate this Friday—claims Faroese contractors lack interest in pre-planning or constructing the facility. The document states that during initial discussions, “the possibility was raised of excluding Faroese construction firms from the tender” and that “interest in such a solution appears limited, both among public authorities and the industry itself.”

Jakobsen rejected these conclusions, emphasising that the committee failed to consult directly with construction professionals. “This is simply wrong,” he said. “It’s a major setback for the industry, especially when decisions with such significant implications are made without our input.”

The current patient hotel in Tórshavn is deemed inadequate, prompting plans for a replacement. The finance committee’s report also suggests exploring models where Faroese entities would own—not lease—the new building, though it notes “little enthusiasm” for this approach.

Audio of Jakobsen’s full interview is available via KVF’s radio news bulletin [link in original].