This article is from page 13 of the 2006-06-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
THE company constructing the Ennis by-pass has received an estimated €12 to €15 million in additional payments from Clare County Council, The Clare People has learned.
In 2004, GAMA Strabag beat off competition from five other companies to build the 21 km route for a fixed price contract of €123 million after lodging the lowest tender.
However, the contractor is now set to scoop up to €138 million, as a result of successful claims totalling an estimated €15 million.
It is believed that GAMA Strabag has received an additional €6 million under the section in the contract relating to labour laws and another €6 million under the section in the contract relating to lands made available.
A spokesman for the National Roads Authority (NRA) would only confirm that GAMA Strabag had received additional money through claims made, but would not confirm the amount.
He added, however, that the project was coming in on budget at €205 million.
“The contingency cost includes inflations and claims that the contractor would make during the life-span of the scheme in response to agreed upon contractual conditions,” he said.
The making of claims is commonplace in road contracts. During the second phase of the Newmarket-on-Fergus by-pass, claims totalling €19 million were made and through negotiation with Clare County Council, this was reduced to € 3million on all claims.
County Engineer, Tom Carey said the scheme was on schedule for its completion date of April 2007, but it was hoped to open sections ahead of this date.
Cllr Joe Carey (FG) said yesterday that it was unfortunate that GAMA had made the claims.
“I hope that these payouts would not hinder the completion of the scheme in any way.
According to the Ennis by-pass website, there may be an early opening of the N18 Eastern Bypass from Dromoland to Cragard at the end of 2006.
Completion of the N85 Western Relief Road from Claureen to Clareabbey Roundabout section will take place by mid January 2007. The final section of the N85 Western Relief Road from Clareabbey Roundabout to Killow Junction to be completed by 11th April 2007.