Contractor in place to complete Cluain Airne

CLARE County Council has signed a contract with Atlantic Developments Ltd to complete the controversial development at Cluain Airne.
In a statement on Tuesday, the council said the contractor should begin work quite soon. “In October 2010, the council terminated the original contract with Paddy Burke Builders Ltd for reason of failure by the contractor to comply with the terms and conditions of the contract. The construction of the scheme had experienced delays during the original contract due to severe weather conditions last winter, rights-of-way issues and the general economic climate.
“Following the termination, the council entered into arrangements with the guarantor for the scheme to secure an alternative contractor to complete the scheme. The guarantor subsequently nominated Atlantic Developments Ltd to complete the project. It is expected contractors will take possession of the site by July 15 and the project will be completed in approximately four months.”
Mayor of Clare Pat Hayes said he is pleased the development could now proceed. “The scheme will be a welcome addition to the housing stock in Shannon and, in particular, will be welcomed by the many people who have already expressed an interest in owning their own home.”
Councillor Patricia McCarthy, chair of the Housing, Social and Cultural Services Strategic Policy Committee, paid tribute to the residents who she said, “have had to endure living beside a development site and the consequent inconvenience for much longer than they had ever anticipated”.
On Tuesday, Cluain Airne resident Nicole Murphy said she was pleased that a contractor is coming on site, but she still has concerns. While the scheme comprises 22 affordable units and six step down units, for letting to people in the area who wish to downsize, she said there are concerns that ultimately the units will be used for social housing.
Councillor Gerry Flynn said he is hopeful the saga would be brought to a close if the contractor goes on site and completes the work within 16 weeks.
He was scathing about the council’s handling of the matter. “I’ve never seen anything handled as badly. It’s been going on for years, it’s crazy stuff.”
While he has sought an inquiry into the matter, he says he is not confident that one will be carried out. 
Councillor Cathy McCafferty, “We have been told that it will take 16 weeks for the work to be done so that would bring us up until around the end of October. I welcome the fact that a contract has been signed and I expect that the work will be done within 16 weeks,” she said.