Kilkenny Councillors Slam Contractors Over Poor Local Work

UPDATE: Councillors in the Castlecomer Municipal District have urgently condemned the unacceptable behaviour of contractors working for Kilkenny County Council. During the monthly meeting held in November 2023, Cllr Michael McCarthy highlighted significant public discontent in the Lisdowney area, stemming from months of ESB Grid Connection works that have disrupted daily life.

Cllr McCarthy stated, “People have been prevented from gaining access to their own private homes.” The ongoing issues have sparked outrage among residents, who report being unable to access their properties for days due to excavation work. “The inconvenience and lack of communication has been alarming,” he added, emphasizing that the quality of the contractors’ work raises serious concerns.

The council meeting revealed a collective frustration, with fellow councillors echoing McCarthy’s sentiments. Cllr Michael Delaney criticized the “completely lacking” communication with residents, while Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh described the situation as “appalling.” Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick went further, accusing some contractors of delivering shoddy work and suggested creating a “naughty list” of underperforming contractors.

The council spokesperson confirmed that they have met with contractors to address these issues, emphasizing a renewed focus on communication moving forward. Residents are demanding immediate action to improve the situation, as disruptions continue to affect their daily lives.

As tensions rise, Kilkenny County Council is under pressure to ensure that future works meet community standards. Cllr McCarthy has called for a halt on issuing any more licenses until he is satisfied that improvements will be made. The urgency of this matter highlights the need for accountability and better communication from contractors to restore trust in local governance.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops, and residents in the Lisdowney area continue to voice their frustrations over ongoing disruptions. The council’s next steps will be critical in determining how this issue is resolved and whether the local community can expect better service in the future.