€14m Ennis library remains in limbo

Ennis’ new library building remains in limbo with contractors now off site since mid-July.

Late 2021 was the original target for the finishing of the library which has a price tag close to €14m. The onset of COVID-19 and temporary pause of construction work for two months was envisaged to have delayed works and set the completion of works back into the first half of 2022.

However with Keating Construction off site since July, a revised schedule on the completion of the library remains unknown.

An update on the works was sought by Cllr Pat Daly (FF) at Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. “I have been approached by a lot of people in the town about the stoppage of the new library, it is becoming a derelict site”.

His claim that the contractors went into liquidation was rebuked by senior engineer Sean Lenihan. “The company aren’t in liquidation, they are not trading but they are gone off site, we wish them well. They are and have been a super company not just in the Mid-West but nationally. They are going through their difficulties”.

Daly replied stating that key personnel within the company said Keating had entered liquidation which Lenihan rejected again. “Keating have been working on various projects, they are not in liquidation, they are in difficulty. They are exploring options where they can meet contractual obligations, it is a very sensitive subject”.

A timescale was sought by Cllr Daly which the Council official was unable to provide.

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) supported Daly’s queries for more clarity. “It is a huge loss of car parking space. There is a crane there that must be costing €2500 – €3000 that is parked up,” he observed.