Roadbridge fallout and retendering
Deputy O'Donnell corrected the record that Roadbridge is in receivership and stressed the impact on workers, suppliers and Limerick projects. The Tánaiste confirmed the position, acknowledged the redundancy arrangements, and promised government support with the Peter McVerry Trust, local authorities and retendering where needed.
On the same issue, the Tánaiste will appreciate that there has been major fallout in Limerick. Roadbridge employs 630 people and has been synonymous with Limerick for more than 40 years. A receiver was appointed last Friday, so the company is not in liquidation; it is in receivership. I acknowledge the work done by the Tánaiste, his Department and the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, on expediting the roll-out of supports for the workers and allowing them to take up other jobs without compromising their statutory redundancies, which is significant.
I have asked for discussions to take place between the receiver and the council on the Coonagh-Knockalisheen road. I ask that the Government stand behind whatever is required to ensure that this project can progress. There are approximately 18 months left in the project, which is only 30% complete.
Regarding the Peter McVerry Trust, 14 units are done. I have spoken to the trust and it is looking to retender in respect of the remaining 24. Will the Government provide the trust supports? The key thing I want-----
Comment on this
The fallout for small suppliers and subcontractors is considerable.
Comment on this
Will the Government continue supporting whatever is required in this situation?
Comment on this
The Deputy is absolutely right. The company is in receivership, not liquidation. I may have said the latter earlier, so I am happy to correct the record.
I acknowledge the Deputy's engagement with my office last week and the previous week, particularly in the context of ensuring that the workers were able to take up new employment without losing their redundancy rights. I assure the Deputy that central government will work closely with the Peter McVerry Trust and the local authorities to ensure that anything that needs to be retendered for in the road and housing projects will be retendered for quickly, that we will get these projects back on track and that any delay will be minimised.