Scheme to restart with new builder

A RAPID Build Scheme known as Watercourse Grove is set to recommence construction after appointing a new contractor with the goal of completing the 16-units in mid-2024, three-and-a-half years after breaking ground.

Struck with delays, Watercourse Grove on the Knocklyon Road in Firhouse has appointed a new contractor who is planning to be on-site by the end of September 2023.

Initially valued at €5.1m, the rapid-build social housing development has been left idle since February of last year, with the original contractor FORRME Construction later having its contract terminated.

Last year, Cllr Brian Lawlor (FG) said that the houses were 50 per cent finished, with the site needing remedial works after the “stock [had] been left exposed” due to the lack of roofing works.

Now, a new contractor has been appointed by South Dublin County Council with the intention of recommencing works on site within the next few weeks.

“The project was originally tendered in 2020 with the original contractor commencing on site in late 2020,” a spokesperson for South Dublin County Council told The Echo.

“However due to the combined impact of supply chain issues, Covid-19, Brexit, supply chain issues, labour resourcing issues, rising interest rates and inflation exacerbated by the Ukraine war which impacted the appointed contractor, the Council was required to terminate the original contract and to re-tender for the construction completion of the works.

“Following a public procurement process a new contractor has been awarded the contract to complete the project and it is anticipated that they will commence on site before the end of Q3 2023.

“The final programme for completion of the homes is mid-2024.”

FORRME had also been contracted to complete the age-friendly social housing developments in Maplewood and Fernwood, Springfield – with that contract also being terminated.

Cleary and Doyle Construction won the re-tender for that project and has been on-site since February of this year, with the 40 units expected to be completed in September and November.

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE.

Thanks for your ongoing support.