The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA ) came in for strong criticism this week over the lack of progress to the works at the derelict part of the Silverbridge Shopping Centre in Claremorris.
In August last year the local chamber of commerce received confirmation from NAMA that the agency would fund the cleanup of the derelict part of the development with works expected to be completed in time for Christmas.
The issue was raised by local Fine Gael councillor Tom Connolly at this week’s meeting of the Claremorris electoral area committee. Cllr Connolly said instead of completing the works they had started, the contractors returned this week and removed the machinery from the site. He said NAMA had treated Mayo County Council and the local people with contempt and he asked why they were being allowed to get away with such behaviour.
On June 24 of this year Fine Gael Deputy John O’Mahony received correspondence from a NAMA representative who stated that 80 per cent of works had been complete. “The old hoarding has been removed and the new hoarding is in situation. The main outstanding works are replacement of kerbing and the laying of top soil. It is expected that the contractors will be back on site to complete these works very shortly,” the correspondence to Dep O’Mahony stated.
However, a month has gone by and locals are getting increasingly frustrated with inaction at this eyesore.
According to Cllr Connolly the site has been left in an appalling condition and is now open to illegal dumping and parking.
Director of services for the area Seamus Granahan said the developer was expected back on site in two weeks to finish the job.
