22nd February 2010
Question: Councillor M. Baker:
To ask the Manager to report on the current status of Carysfort Maretimo Stream including a timeline for when the works will commence?
Reply:
Tender submissions for the Carysfort Maretimo Stream Improvement Scheme were received from the six pre-selected contractors at the end of January 2010. These tenders are currently being assessed by our Consultants. Once any necessary clarifications on the submissions have been received from relevant contractors, the Consultants will submit a Tender Report to the Council which will include are commendation on the award of the contract. It is expected that this report will be received next month.Under the revised procedures for approval of schemes issued by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in July 2009 (circular L5/09), it will then be necessary, prior to awarding the contract, to obtain confirmation from the Department that funding is in place for the scheduled commencement date. This confirmation will be sought from the Department following receipt of the Tender Report. The Department have been unable to advise on the period to allow for their consideration on this matter. Once confirmation is received, letters will be issued to the unsuccessful contractors informing them of the outcome of the tender process. A statutory ‘cooling off’ period of ten days must follow this to give these contractors an opportunity to appeal the outcome. Subject to no appeals being received, a Letter of Intent will then be issued to the successful contractor. An additional constraint on the award of the contract is the completion of the landowner liaison process, including with Irish Rail. Works are required to an existing culvert under the Dart line near Blackrock. Discussions with Irish Rail have been ongoing for some time to agree the technical details and formalise an agreement. However, a delay in these discussions arose as Irish Rail were unable to consider this issue during the emergency situation on the Northern Line following the collapse of the viaduct at Malahide. In recent weeks, these discussions have recommenced. Subject to the above constraints being resolved in a timely fashion, it would be hoped to award the contract during the second quarter of 2010.