December 6: Regeneration fees for contractors

Will regeneration turn out to be a bonanza for contractors, asks Chris Duhig PICTURE: ADRIAN BUTLER
It is reported that €20 million to €30 million is the conservative amount that will be paid in Regeneration fees by the 18 contractors to firms of consultant, architects, engineers, surveyors etc. This massive pot of money will create a virulent rash of consultants. One only has to look at the Regeneration plan to imagine the number of consultants that will be required on any one contract and then multiply that number 
by 18.

It is reported that €20 million to €30 million is the conservative amount that will be paid in Regeneration fees by the 18 contractors to firms of consultant, architects, engineers, surveyors etc. This massive pot of money will create a virulent rash of consultants. One only has to look at the Regeneration plan to imagine the number of consultants that will be required on any one contract and then multiply that number 
by 18.

I would not be surprised if the “Smarter Travel” initiative is being introduced to keep our streets clear for the fleet of gas guzzling 4x4s of the contractors and their consultants.

It brings to mind the old Gay Byrne phrase “There’s one for everyone in the audience”.

To put this €30 million in context of the figures contained in the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan, this amount would fund:

12 Community centre buildings

3 Integrated youth centres

15 Equestrian centres

15 Primary Healthcare facilities

200 Playgrounds

3 Fantasy Bridges from Sarsfield Bridge to their Palace at Merchant’s Quay.

The reason for this sinful waste Limerick City and County Council have abandoned the mundane task of managing the city for its inhabitants and businesses in favour of the new more exciting role that they have adopted for themselves as a “Support Agency for Small and Medium Enterprises” (Contractors).

I believe that the “small” and “medium” contractors earmarked for this work have shown absolutely no support for Limerick or its workers not to mind workers from Regeneration areas of the city.

Chris Duhig

DELMEGE PARK, MOYROSS