Laois building suppliers given 'half insult' by council
Laois building materials suppliers are being given a "half-insult" by Laois County Council, it is claimed by a councillor.
The county's rate paying businesses are not being invited to tender for major jobs, one councillor has claimed.
Another says that to add insult to injury, they are contacted if the main contractor runs out, to supply materials as a back-up.
Cllr PJ Kelly is calling for a fair deal to Laois businesses.
"A couple of businesses contacted me who are based in Laois. They said that they were not invited to tender fro some major contracts," he said.
Cllr John King supported his motion, tabled to the December meeting of Laois County Council to ensure invites are sent to Laois businesses.
"I see it in the Rathdowney Borris area. If they run out they go to the local men. It's a half insult to them. They do pay their rates and taxes. I think we should shop local. They should be given priority," he said.
Cllr Kelly's motion requests "that Laois County Council ensure that any capital projects or council supported works within Laois be supplied with materials by Laois based businesses or are invited to tender to supply as these businesses are the rate payers and drivers of the Laois economy".
In reply, the council stated that tenders are carried out through the Local Govermment Procurement Centre, and that there are some Laois based suppliers of civil engineering materials on the list. More can apply to be listed, the council said.