Mayo support for legal challenge to Covid-19 construction restrictions

A former Mayo elected representative has commented on reports that the State is facing a High Court challenge to Covid-19 restrictions which have halted around sixty per cent of construction work across the country.

The case is being taken by Dublin-based firm, Blue Whisp Limited, in respect of the building of a block of apartments.

Michelle Mulherin, who is expected to seek a Fine Gael nomination to contest the next general election in the Mayo constituency having served terms as a TD and senator, said the legal action comes as no surprise.

She stated: "Small builders and contractors in Mayo and around the country working on much needed housing estates are shut down while construction on State projects and infrastructure steams ahead.

"These small operators can less afford to take this financial hit.

"In most cases they are trying to service and pay back significant bank loans and require a cash flow from completed houses to do so. But everything has stalled.

"Also these new houses are required as much as social houses as part of the solution to the housing shortage in this country.

"So the question which must be answered is why are they being discriminated against?"