Contact with the representatives of the hotel has been ongoing since the commencement of the construction works. Replies have been issued, or discussions have taken place, in response to all correspondence from the representatives of the hotel in relation to the flood scheme. The resident engineer for the scheme, whose site office is only yards from the hotel, has been available at all times for consultation in relation to any aspect of the scheme affecting the hotel and he continues to be engaged in ongoing contact with representatives of the hotel.
It was not possible to issue a definitive works programme to the hotel as technical issues required finalisation before the works in the vicinity of the hotel could proceed. The works have now commenced and the hotel will be issued with a programme of works. Until now, the hotel has been briefed fortnightly in advance on what works are taking place along the river. The date of completion of the programme of works will be subject to the satisfactory resolution of safety issues relating to a structure, owned by the hotel, adjacent to the works.
Any claim for compensation in respect of any interference, restriction, etc. caused to the hotel in pursuance of the drainage scheme will be considered by the Commissioners of Public Works in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Arterial Drainage Acts. When assessing compensation, regard will be had to any benefit to the affected property which is occasioned by or may reasonably be expected to arise from the carrying out of the drainage scheme. The Office of Public Works valuer visited the hotel in July of this year and made preliminary contact with the hotel manager with a view to monitoring the ongoing impacts on the hotel.
