Roadbridge receivership 'leaving trail of human and economic destruction across Mayo'
The receivership of Roadbridge is leaving a trail of human and economic destruction across County Mayo.
That's according to Deputy Dara Calleary.
He stated: "The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment needs to establish a task force to identify what bonds and insurance are in place for the various projects in which Roadbridge is involved.
"The government has responsibility for this because, as recently as July, it awarded a major tender to Roadbridge to complete the N5 from Ballaghadereen to Scramogue, thereby sending a message of confidence in the company.
"Subcontractors, who have been in business for generations, have been left on the hook for this. They have secured contracts from semi-State companies and government agencies.
"They are entitled to their money and their employees are entitled to their wages. The level of distress this is causing throughout Mayo is untold."
Deputy Michael Ring said it is outrageous that a major company such as Roadbridge would leave so many people without work. I want to speak about the subcontractors.
In Mayo alone, anything up to €13 million may be owed by Roadbridge.
Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh said Roadbridge entering receivership has come as a major shockwave to workers, contractors and suppliers throughout Mayo and this state.
"The extent of the devastation for workers and contractors is unfolding each day before our eyes as employees find that their pension contributions have not been paid, their health insurance has lapsed and they cannot afford to keep paying their mortgages.
"It was alarming to hear the Tánaiste and Minster for Enterprise, Trade and Employment refer to the liquidation of Roadbridge when, in fact, the company has gone into receivership.
"It begs the question whether he or his government know what is happening and whether they have a handle on this.
"What engagement has taken place with Roadbridge? What bonds are in place?
"We all know that construction inflation has gone through the roof. We also know that due diligence carried out by companies before allocating major contracts has fallen short and there has been auditing of verified companies as financially stable when they were anything but that.
"The fact is many subcontractors and suppliers have now been burnt twice in the past decade and this is catastrophic. These are intergenerational companies and local employers that operate to the highest ethical standards.
"They are loyal to their communities, their workers and to the families who sacrificed and worked hard to build reputations and to carve out businesses in the toughest of times. The government needs to step up."