A statement is due today from the company that withdrew from controversial construction work in Galway city centre yesterday.
When workers arrived at 8 am yesterday they discovered the main contractor on the Eyre Square re-landscaping project had withdrawn its machinery and facilities. The workers later left the site.
Samuel Kingston Construction Ltd said last night it would be issuing a statement through its solicitors today.
Siptu criticised Galway City Council's handling of the €9 million contract, saying it had failed in its responsibility to ensure the contractor was in compliance with labour legislation.
Noel Kilfeather of the union’s west of Ireland construction branch said: "Samuel Kingston Ltd. was not compliant with the industry’s Registered Employment Agreement. This non-compliance related to hourly rates of pay and overtime premiums not being applied.
"Galway City Council, as a funding authority, is obliged to ensure that all matters pertaining to contractors and sub-contractors are adhered to in accordance with the Construction Industry Registered Agreement, which is legally binding."
Some 30 workers have been working on the project for the past 16 months, but two were dismissed a fortnight ago following contacts made with Siptu. Many of the workers were Polish.
The council’s city manager Joe McGrath informed councillors yesterday that the company had withdrawn from the contract without notice. He said the local authority was seeking legal advice.
A spokesman for the council said: "Galway City Council wishes to express our deep disappointment and annoyance at the decision of [Samuel Kingston Construction] to walk off-site at Eyre Square despite repeated and ongoing attempts with the contractor to secure the completion of the contract by the November deadline."
The Irish Timesreports today that around €3 million had been paid to Samuel Kingston Construction Ltd as part of the €9 million project and was seeking the €1 million bond agreed with the company for non-completion.
The project has been beset by controversy since plans were unveiled in January 1999. The estimated cost, first put at €2.5 million, has quadrupled and businesses in the area, which is the commercial hub of Galway city have complained of large fall-offs in revenue as result of disruption caused by the works.
Green Party councillor Niall Ó Brolcháin, who has oppposed the refurbishment, said he would be calling for an inquiry.