10th February 2015
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Fine Gael TD for Cork South West, Jim Daly, met this week with
Minister for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Simon Harris TD to
discuss progress of the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme.
Speaking following the meeting, Deputy Daly said: “the Government
remains fully committed to the provision of the Bandon Flood Relief
Scheme and the funding is secure. Minister Harris confirmed to me that
the current position with regard to the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme is
that the procurement process to appoint a civil works contractor has
been legally challenged at the pre-qualifying first stage by a
contractor who has not been placed on the list from whom bids will be
invited.
“The OPW is currently taking legal advice on this matter and, as such,
is not in a position to provide an update at this stage on the
timescale for the appointment of a contractor.
“I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they are
confident that the current legal issue will be resolved as quickly as
possible and that the project can then progress to the construction
stage.
It is expected that construction of the scheme will take approximately
two years to complete from appointment of a successful contractor.
“It is important to note that funding is secure for this project and
will be made available once due process has been completed. Any delay
to constructing the Bandon flood relief scheme is most unfortunate,
however the OPW, like everybody else, has to conduct its business
within the parameters of the Irish Legal system.”