A Bandon-based councillor has said that it is completely unacceptable that Wills Bros – who are contracted to work on the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme – are not giving councillors monthly updates on the scheme.
By Kieran O’Mahony
A BANDON-based councillor has said that it is completely unacceptable that Wills Bros – who are contracted to work on the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme – are not giving councillors monthly updates on the scheme.
Cllr Rachel McCarthy (SF) was speaking at a recent meeting of Bandon Kinsale Municipal District when the subject of the lack of communication about the progress of the scheme was commented on.
‘It’s completely unacceptable that they won’t liaise with us and we have people asking us about the footbridge and other streets and we can’t answer their questions,’ said Cllr McCarthy.
‘Why don’t we have a monthly report as it would keep us up to date on the progress of the scheme? We’ve asked for it repeatedly and it’s just to know what works that are to happen each week.’
Cllr McCarthy also highlighted the plight of the 40 residents in the Clúid Housing development who will be affected by the demolition of the footbridge and said they are looking for a meeting with Wills Bros before this happens.
Senior executive engineer Charlie McCarthy said it was not a Cork Council project so he did not have full details of the scheme, but did say that McSwiney Quay will face significant disruption in the summer months.
Cllr Kevin Murphy (FG) told senior engineer Charlie McCarthy that, from a logistical point of view, he should have first-hand information every week from the contractor.
‘The disruption to peoples’ lives has to be flagged by you and we also need a consistent progress report on the scheme,’ said Cllr Murphy.
Cllr Aidan Lombard (FG) said it ‘sounds and smells of the OPW’ who, he said, are the most uncontactable organisation around.
‘I’ve worked on civil engineering projects and what we need is their Microsoft project workings for the next six months, so we know what is planned,’ said Cllr Lombard.
Municipal District officer Enda O’Halloran told councillors that he will contact the liaison person and ask them for a monthly report for councillors.
