FIANNA Fáil TD Willie O’Dea has called for reassurances that Limerick projects in which Roadbridge were involved with, including the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road, will continue on seamlessly.
The civil engineering and construction company, founded in Limerick, announced last week that it is to go into receivership.
Employing over 600 people, the firm, founded by Pat Mulcair, was involved in some of the biggest infrastructural projects, including the Limerick Tunnel, the second runway at Dublin Airport and the Limerick Greenway.
Fianna Fáil’s Willie O’Dea has this week been in discussions with officials in the Department of Social Protection on behalf of Roadbridge employees in relation to the provision of income support for the period of time they are out of work.
“I am obviously very disappointed at the news that a receiver has been sought by Roadbridge. It’s my hope that the receiver will find a buyer to step in so that as many of the jobs as possible can still be saved,” Deputy O’Dea told the Limerick Post.
“I have asked the Government for assurances that a number of projects in which Roadbridge were involved with in Limerick, where they are the main contractors – namely the Peter McVerry houses in Moyross and the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road – will be continued on seamlessly.
“This would involve the appointment of a new contractor if the receiver cannot find a buyer for Roadbridge, so that there won’t be any undue delay in completing the projects.”
Deputy O’Dea said that many Roadbridge employees had been in touch with him about what they can do for income while the collective redundancy discussions take place for the next 30 days.
“I have had discussions on behalf of these employees with officials in the Department of Social Protection and a scheme is being worked out to provide income support for the period of time they are out of work,” he explained.
