‘Rottweiler’ approach urged to tackle poor reinstatement works across Limerick

CALLS have been made for a “Rottweiler” approach to be taken to reinstatement works carried out by utility companies across Limerick.

Fine Gael councillor John Sheahan called on the council to appoint a Clerk of Works with the required qualifications “to deal specifically with the reinstatement works associated with works done by utility companies.”

He tabled the motion at the April meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District (MD) amid complaints of “fellas digging holes” and not restoring roads and footpaths to their original standard.

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Cllr Sheahan said the MD “need to be harder” in their approach to how reinstatement works are carried out, particularly “in terms of quality.”

He explained that there have been cases across the district where workers “put tar” into holes, only for it to “drop” within a short timeframe, creating dips in the road, while utility crews “feel sufficient” in the quality of the work.

Cllr Sheahan said the appointed Clerk would need to bring out the “Purple Book” in this matter and must “be a Rottweiler in approach.”

The “Purple Book”, formally known as the Guidelines for Managing Openings in Public Roads, sets out national standards for roadworks and reinstatement and is used by local authorities and utility companies.

Cathaoirleach of the district, Michael Collins, supported the motion. Fine Gael councillor Liam Galvin also voiced support, saying he “doesn’t know if anyone checks” reinstatement works, adding that he is aware of a road that was left “reckless.”

Cllr Galvin said something needs to be done, describing the issue as “costing us [the MD] significant money and a pain in the back side.”

In a written reply read at the meeting, Senior Executive Engineer Ben Noonan said Limerick City and County Council’s roads department manages reinstatement works carried out by utility companies in the district.

“All works carried out by utility companies are subject to a Road Opening Licence and therefore must meet specific requirements and standards,” he added.

In response, Cllr Sheahan highlighted case in Glin where “tar was put into a hole on a cement sidewalk,” questioning whether such work meets the standards outlined by the council.