WORK was due to get underway on the regeneration of St Michael’s Estate in Inchicore after a termination notice was withdrawn by Dublin City Council on Friday (February 24).

The council had terminated the contract for the regeneration of the estate after it found that the balcony of a unit in one of the new buildings had moved.

In November 2010, contractors Bam Buildings Ltd began work on the project, which involved the construction of 75 housing units, a community centre and crèche at a cost of e12 million.

Mark Ryan of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) told Southside People that it had instructed the local authority not to stop building work on the site.

“We were notified about a dangerous occurrence on the site where a balcony was found to have moved,” he said. “We sent an inspector out. He didn't close the site as a result of that dangerous occurrence but just left an advice note.”

A spokesman for Dublin City Council said it issued a termination notice to the contractor on February 15 due to a number of health and safety concerns it had relating to the project.

“However, following discussions with the contractor it was agreed that we would withdraw the termination notice,” a spokesperson said. “Bam will immediately return to site and proceed with the works on St Michael’s Estate.

“All matters which gave rise to this notice are being addressed.”

A spokesperson for Bam Building Ltd said that following discussions with Dublin City Council it had been agreed that the termination notice would be lifted and they would immediately return to the site.

“All matters which gave rise to this notice are being addressed and Bam is confident that health and safety will be managed in an appropriate way,” the spokesperson said. “Bam acknowledges the importance that the council has placed on health and safety matters.

“We have been in contact with the Health and Safety Authority regarding the incident at issue and we will work closely with them to maintain the highest standards of health and safety on the site.”