Mattie McGrath has come under fire at today's meeting of South Tipperary County Council.
The Independent deputy has been accused of making publicity seeking comments in relation to his criticism of the delay to the Ferthard and Burncourt water treatment plants.
However councillors insist that his comments were unwarranted and totally unfair
Five contractors tendered for the joint schemes with the successful bidder announced last year.
Submissions were received from two of the unsuccessful bidders following the decision.
One of these has been dealt with while legal advice is being sought in relation to the other.
Deputy McGrath was strongly critical of both Environment Minister Phil Hogan and local junior minister Tom Hayes when news of the appeal became known…he attributed the delay to both ministers.
However, Councillor Liam Aherne told today’s meeting of South Tipp County Council that these comments were totally unwarranted.
Councillor Eddie O’Meara backed this view, saying that Ministers Hogan and Hayes are blameless in this and also praised the work of council officials who, he said, were looking after the interests of the taxpayer.
Councillor O’Meara said that Mattie McGrath’s comments were merely publicity-seeking.
Councillor Marie Murphy was also critical of Deputy McGrath’s comments and hoped that a swift resolution could be found.
