Firm that left Co Cork drain project continues road work

A large construction firm which pulled out of a €3.5m drainage scheme in West Cork earlier this week is continuing to work on a major roads scheme in Cork city.

SIAC Construction yesterday declined to comment on a decision, reached with Cork County Council, to suspend work on a vital services project in Bandon.

It also refused to comment on its continuing involvement in the construction of two major flyovers on the southwestern approach to Cork City.

The construction company and the county council issued a joint press release on Monday saying work on the main drainage scheme at Bandon “had been suspended due to events beyond the control of either party”.

The firm remains the lead contractor in the €21.7m construction of flyovers at the Bandon Rd and Sarsfield Rd roundabouts.

Work on that project began in Jul 2011 and is due to finish next summer.

Bandon town councillor Gearóid Buckley yesterday called on Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Brian Hayes, to commit the necessary funding to complete the local project. “What has happened is extremely disappointing,” said Mr Buckley. “Works have been carried out for several months and although there were many issues with the project, a significant amount of work was still completed.”

He said Cork County Council will go back to the drawing board and submit the works for tender again. “Due to legal negotiations between both parties, it will remain unknown why the contract was suspended,” said Mr Buckley. “Everyone is disappointed that works have been suspended but it is now imperative that tender documents are approved as soon as possible and that the long-overdue Bandon Sewerage Scheme is completed.”

Mayor of Bandon Gillian Coughlan expressed “deep concern” at the delay.

“This essential upgrade to the drainage infrastructure which was to separate storm water from foul water was welcomed by residents and businesses alike that were affected by the devastating floods of 2009,” said Ms Coughlan.

“While it had been observed that progress had been slow, with less than 10% of the contract completed, it was devastating to learn that works will now cease indefinitely.”

It is expected a new contractor could take at least six months to be on site in Bandon.