Legal challenge to towns flood scheme is settled

A NEW tender process for Bandon’s long-awaited flood scheme will begin shortly, with the news that the legal challenge has been settled.

Deputy Jim Daly has confirmed the challenge, brought by an unsuccessful applicant in the earlier tendering process, has been resolved and tenders for the scheme will issue in the next two to three weeks.

And in a statement from the OPW, the agency said: ‘Following delays caused by a legal challenge, the procurement process for the project is now progressing with the issue shortly of tender documents to a shortlist of contractors.’

The tenders for the scheme will proceed within the next two weeks, according to Deputy Daly.

Welcoming the development, the FG deputy outlined that intensive discussions have taken place in the past month with a view to overcoming the latest legal impasse to the progression of the scheme.

‘I am delighted that the issues have been resolved very speedily, avoiding the necessity for further legal processes, and the people of Bandon town can look forward to the beginning of the construction of this scheme of preventative works to ensure the town is protected from flooding in the future,’ he said.

He said he would continue to liaise with the Minister and his officials from the OPW to ensure delivery of this ‘vital piece of infrastructure’ for the town.

The OPW has said that once a contractor is appointed and the scheme is underway, it is expected that it will take approximately two years to complete.