The Silence Of The Politicians In Donegal Is Deafening

Enda Craig ✊What about the thousands of social houses destroyed by defective concrete through the lack of proper testing and market surveillance by DCC?

Also, where was the product insurance that should have been obtained by the Cl to protect the cost to the exchequer?

How a Company Becomes a Supplier to a Local Authority

The process of how a company continues to supply products to a government agency, despite allegations of defects, raises questions. Here's an explanation based on information from a senior engineer in the centralized government product procurement division in County Kerry.

Example of Construction Materials (Concrete Bricks):

Nationally, suppliers are invited to apply to become bona fide suppliers to local governments and be included on a centralized list. Applicants must provide various details, including proof of adequate insurance. Once approved, they're added to the list.

In Donegal County Council, a procurement officer is tasked with identifying suitable suppliers when needed, such as for a large order of bricks. This officer must consult the centralized procurement list for suppliers in Donegal and invite them to tender for the contract. Responding companies must then submit detailed hard copies of their insurance for consideration.

The senior engineer highlighted the critical role of insurance, serving as the Council's financial safeguard against future product issues.

The Big Question

If a company provided their insurance and it was accepted by the Council, why didn't the Council pursue reimbursement when issues arose? This question was to be addressed at Council meetings on July 19th and 26th, 2023 initially raised by Councillor McBrearty. However, the Council's executive sought to discuss the legal matters in a closed session, preventing public disclosure of the reasons.

Councillor McBrearty stood alone in objecting to the private discussion, insisting on transparency. The dispute led to the cancellation of the closed meeting, leaving the question unanswered.

Reportedly, the Council intended to conceal their mishandling by claiming the supplier's insurance had a three-year statute of limitations. They purportedly planned to argue that no mica-infested products were used within this timeframe, which would inadvertently cast the supplier in a positive light.
This revelation prompts reflection on the transparency and accountability of elected public representatives and whose interests they truly serve.

⏩ Enda Craig is a Donegal resident and community activist.