This article is from page 14 of the 2011-12-06 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
WORK on the start of the € 12.8m second section of the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme is li kely to be delayed for a number of months after problems emerged in the tendering process.
The scheme will see improvements to river walls and other flood defenses on the river Fergus from Bank Place to Doora Bridge. Phase one of the scheme, which was com- pleted two years ago, is credited with preventing floods in large areas of the town centre.
However, the OPW has informed Ennis Town Council that the tendering process for phase two of the scheme has been terminated with immediate effect.
Councillors were informed of the development at the yesterday’s monthly council meeting.
Cll r Mar y Howard (FG) had requested a progress report from the council on phase two of the Ennis drainage scheme.
In his response, town clerk Leonard Clear y stated that the council has been in ongoing discussion with the OPW regarding the progress of the scheme. He explained that this included a briefing by OPW personnel for the elected members in recent months.
He continued, “The Office of Public Works has today advised that due to the withdrawal of certain tender- ers and issues that have arisen in relation to the tendering process, it has been decided to terminate with immediate effect the Ennis lower scheme tender competition. Letters have been issued to the eight prequalified tenderers notifying them of the termination. This competition will be re-tendered immediately.”
He added, “The council has also been advised by the OPW that Minister (Brian) Hayes would li ke to assure the people of Ennis that this scheme has been included in the OPW budget for next year. The council will continue to work with the OPW to ensure that this important scheme can be commenced at the earliest possible date.”
Town manager Ger Dollard described the termination of the tendering process as “unfortunate”. He said the council are quite satisfied that the OPW will proceed with the project.