NIHE left with ‘eye-watering’ scaffolding bill after repair delays to housing block

According to an update from John O’Dowd, infrastructure minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly, the scheme was originally tendered in October 2023 but no responses were received, leading to the project being re-tendered in November 2023.

This time, three responses were received, but the lowest withdrew. The other two tenders were not considered value for money.

Mr O’Dowd said the NIHE has now tendered the project for a third time and submissions were currently being considered by its board.

The minister’s update came in response to a written question from Phillip Brett, the DUP’s MLA for North Belfast, who also enquired about the cost of the scaffolding bill.

Mr Brett told the Irish Times the bill of £238,847 was “eye-watering”, and raised concerns about the impact on residents who have had to live with scaffolding around their homes for over a year.

“Residents of Green End have been left for two years living in the shadow of scaffolding, severely impacting their quality of life,” Mr Brett said.

“The costs which have come to light are absolutely eye-watering. The £250,000 would have been better spent by the NIHE fixing the roofs.”

Residents of the Rathcoole estate block were temporarily rehoused in October 2022 following damage to the roof, but were later allowed to move back in.

An NIHE spokesperson said: “Scaffolding is in place at this site to ensure the health and safety of residents and the wider public. On two previous occasions we have tendered for improvement works to be carried out but, for a range of reasons, the process was unsuccessful.

“A further tender exercise has been completed and responses are currently being evaluated. A range of structural and thermal improvements to the blocks are planned and we hope to award the contract soon.

“Scaffolding will remain in place to ensure health and safety until work is completed in full.”