Fine Gael councillor Mark Winters has hit out at the lack of local jobs created by the multi-million euro regeneration project in St Patrick’s estate in Ballina.
“The St Patrick’s estate regeneration project is costing around €13 million, the contract was awarded to Rhatigan Construction from outside the county, then the ground works, the block layers, the carpenters, and the roofers were all contracted to outside companies,” he told the monthly meeting of Ballina Town Council. “I don’t know of one group of jobs that has been created locally by this project. We all welcomed this development when it was launched and welcomed that there would be local jobs.”
Independent councillor Gerry Ginty agreed with Cllr Winters but told him there was nothing that could be done. “I agree with you, but as the law stands there is nothing that can be done to force them to employ local workers,” he said. “You have to go by the law when something goes out to tender and then it’s up to them to staff the project. In the old days you could do something about it, but not any more.” \
