MINISTER Pat Breen has been assured that the re-tendering process for the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme is progressing at the quickest possible rate, with the tender deadline set at September 21, just one week away.

Minister Breen said, “Elements of the previous tender are currently underway as advance works, in a bid to speed up the time for completion.

This coupled with the re-tendering process taking place in the shortest time allowed, will ensure that the much needed Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme will be completed in the earliest possible timeframe.”

Minister Breen was disappointed to learn last July that the preferred contractor for the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme had formally withdrawn the tender.

At the time he received assurances from his colleague Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran that the €8.6m funding for the project was secured and work would go ahead early next year.

“I would like to pay tribute to the staff of Clare County Council for their quick reaction to the situation last July.

The local authority revised and updated the tender documents very quickly and re-advertised the competition in late July.

The deadline for receipt of tenders is September 21.

“Having regard to the OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union) time limits, the complexity of the project and the builders holidays in August, this was the minimum timeframe they could possibly work to,” said Minister Breen.

“It is my understanding that there has been significant interest in the tendering for the works which is also very positive.

The new contract is expected to be awarded by the end of this year with the commencement of work on site in early Spring.

“I will continue to remain in close contact with Minister Moran, the OPW and Clare County Council in the coming weeks and months on this issue,” Mr Breen added.