Financial woes for pier project

Work on the extension of a pier in Co Cork has halted after the contractor ran into financial difficulties.

Cork County Council, which is overseeing the project, said work ceased on the extension at the main pier in Kinsale last Monday, but it hasn’t yet been officially informed of the reason why.

However, it has emerged that the contractors, Enco Marine & Civil Engineering Ltd, have applied for a petition to be wound up.

In the interim, Stephen Tennant of Grant Thornton has been appointed provisional liquidator.

Fine Gael councillor Kevin Murphy, who lives in Kinsale, said he was “shocked and disappointed” at the news.

“The contract was to build a substantial extension to the main pier. It was one of several projects to enhance piers in the town — the rest of which have been completed. This particular pier is very important for imports and exports and it has been closed for the last 12 months,” he said.

“We must make every effort to ensure the job is finished off as quickly as possible,” he said.

Cllr Murphy said any delays would impact on the local maritime economy and the county council had to find a new contractor fast.

A spokesman for the council said in May 2013 it has signed a contract with Enco Marine & Civil Engineering Ltd to construct an extension to the main pier.

“Work progressed on the project up to last Monday. Cork County Council is concerned that work on the extension has now ceased. The tender price was approximately €750,000 and work was about 80% completed,” the council spokesman said. He added that the council would “endeavour to bring this project to a swift conclusion”.