Call for Laois council contractor 'naughty list'

A councillor suggested the council draw up a “naughty list’ of developers who shouldn’t be allowed to work for Laois County Council. 

The comments came after a query in relation to housing in Stradbally drew a very mixed reaction at a recent council meeting. 

Cllr Paschal McEvoy had asked for an update in relation to Cill Beg Manor and Dromineen Estates in Stradbally being taken in charge by the council. 

In a written response to his motion, Director of Services Angela McEvoy outlined the situation in Cill Beg Manor.

“There are a number of issues to be resolved with the developer including plastering of boundary wall, the provision of As Built drawings and wayleaves where foul and storm sewers pass through private lands. The Council will use the Bond to complete works if the developer does not resolve same,” she wrote. 

Meanwhile, for Dromineen, the Director stated that: “Dromineen will be advertised for taking in charge in March 2023.”

Cllr McEvoy said he was delighted to see Dromineen. However he wasn’t pleased with the response in relation to Cill Beg Manor which he described as a “bit of a joke”. 

He noted the developer had been given six weeks to carry out the works when he previously had a motion down on the estate. He said at the time he was given the impression that the bond was going to be used if the work wasn’t done. 

 “I really can’t understand. It’s obviously a generic answer because it is just not going to happen because it didn’t happen last year when the same answer was given,” he said. 

Cllr McEvoy said he would talk to the Director in relation to the estate.

“It has to be progressed, it is going on for years and years and years,” he remarked. 

Cllr Aisling Moran added her support to her colleague. 

“We need to start putting these developers on a naughty list. They can’t be getting work from Laois County Council if they are not going to finish it,” she remarked. 

“Why are they still getting work. They should be taken off tender documents and not be allowed to tender for work again,” she remarked. 

Cars becoming airborne on Laois bridge

Cllr McEvoy said Director of Services Gerry Murphy had confirmed that he would follow the matter up. 

The issue was discussed at the last meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.