Council Tears Up McNamara Contracts

Dublin City Council have terminated two of its Private Public Partnership contracts with controversal developer, Bernard McNamara.

The regeneration projects, a redevelopment of St Michael's Estate in Inchicore and Dominick Street in the north inner city, were part of an agreement with the developer to deliver 1,800 new homes, most of which would be occupied by council tenants, many of which are living in substandard homes.

Lengthy delays in starting the projects by Mr McNamara led to a collapse in the agreement and city councillors last night announced the developer was now "off pitch" with regards to the projects. The councillors also announced rival bidders had been invited to enter expressions of interest.

However, Mr McNamara will go ahead with the redevelopment of the Convent lands on Seán McDermott Street and will enter into mediation on two other housing projects in Infirmary Road and O'Devaney Gardens both in Dublin 7. However, the council has warned the developer it will initiate High Court proceedings if mediation is not successful.

The issue is scheduled to be debated in the Dáil this week. The motion calls on Mr Gormley to take whatever steps are necessary to remove the developer completely from the five projects.

(DW)