€600k sewerage scheme on hold

WORK on a sewerage scheme in Co Limerick has come to a halt after a contractor decided to go into liquidation.

The €600,000 scheme was being provided in the village of Feenagh to facilitate the development of a 14-house voluntary housing scheme and a cluster of existing houses.

Work commenced six months ago and the project was partially-completed when the Galway firm notified the council of its operating difficulties.

Limerick Co Council director of services Paul Crowe said it plans to re-advertise for tenders to complete the scheme. The tender process could bring delays of up to four months and additional costs.

Mr Crowe said monies to the contractor had been paid on works as they progressed. As a result, the contracting firm had not been paid for works outstanding.

He said: “Firstly, we want to ensure the site is safe as work is only partially completed and, secondly, we want to see how we can complete the scheme as soon as possible.”

The council has bonds in place to ensure there is no significant financial loss.