Clare County Council is being called on to recommence upgrade works on Parnell Street.
The public realm enhancement project was halted after level five restrictions were introduced, even though essential construction works could go ahead.
The local authority says the project doesn’t fall within what’s permitted under current Government guidelines.
Construction works that are deemed to be “essential” are allowed to continue under Level 5 restrictions.
However, the Parnell Street Laneways and Bow-ways project is not one of those, even though many businesses are arguing that the works should proceed now while streets are quieter.
They also argue that a similar project in Tralee has been brought forward to allow its works proceed now, and that resuming works after lockdown would mean construction would be ongoing when more people return to the streets.
Vice President of Ennis Chamber and Parnell Street Publican, Darragh McAllister says the work is necessary.
While he’s commending the Council for putting safety first, he’s disappointed the works can’t be completed before businesses re-open, and is calling for a re-think.
Clare County Council says that after considering the government’s definition of “essential” construction, the Public Realm Enhancement Project doesn’t fall within the definition by central Government.
The local authority is awaiting further guidelines on the easing of Level five restrictions, in terms of construction activity, or further expansion on what’s designated as essential works.
Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly says the local authority should reconsider the move and take heed of other Councils across the country.
Clare County Council statement:
Following the public health measures announced on 6th January aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19, construction work on non-essential projects was to cease from 6pm on Friday, 8th January.
Essential works are those defined by Government as follows:
• Essential health and related projects including those relevant to preventing, limiting, minimising or slowing the spread of Covid-19
• Social housing projects, including voids, designated as essential sites by local authorities based on set criteria
• Housing adaptation grants
• Repair, maintenance and construction of critical transport and utility infrastructure
• Education facilities sites designated as essential by the Department of Education
• Supply and delivery of essential or emergency maintenance and repair services to businesses and places of residence (including electrical, gas, plumbing, glazing and roofing services) on an emergency call-out basis
• Certain large construction projects in the exporting/FDI sector based on set criteria.
Contracting authorities, in consultation with the relevant approving bodies, are to determine what constitutes essential projects in accordance with Government guidelines. In reviewing the Parnell Street, Laneways and Bow-ways project, which is a public realm enhancement project, it does not fall within essential works as designated by central Government.
We are awaiting further Government announcements on the easing of Level 5 restrictions (in terms of construction activity), or further expansion of what is designated as essential works.
