Project Liaison Officer

Background

In December 2001 an agreement was made between the National Roads Authority (NRA), Irish farmers Association (IFA), and the Department of Environment and Local Government (DOELG) for the acquisition of property for National roads. Paragraph 19 of this agreement provides for the appointment of “a project liaison officer for each major National Primary road scheme to engage with affected farmers or their representatives, including in relation to the supervision of agreed accommodation works.” 

Role of Project Liaison Officer

The Code of Practice for National Road Project Planning and Acquisition of Property for National Roads set out the main role of the Local Authority Project Liaison Officer. (Link) The role is comprised of two stages, namely, design stage and construction stage.

As set out in the code of practice the Liaison Officer will, in particular, explain and provide information on:

· the development of the road scheme proposal and the procedures involved;

· the manner and the extent to which individuals and/or their property may be affected;

· the opportunities for individuals to be involved in the planning process and to have their views and objections taken into account by An Bord Pleanála when deciding whether or not the road scheme may proceed to construction, and

· the procedures whereby works to be undertaken as a consequence of the construction of the road, i.e. accommodation works concerning matters such as access, fencing, drainage, underpasses, planting, etc., are agreed between individuals/those acting on their behalf and the local authority.

The Liaison Officer will seek to provide information in a clear and easily understood format, availing, as appropriate, of drawings and maps in circumstances where planning has sufficiently advanced to accurately depict the likely effects of the

scheme on a property holding.

The Project Liaison Officer will also act as the first point of contact should individuals encounter difficulties regarding:

• the timely implementation of agreed accommodation works or in relation to the nature of the works to by undertaken, and
• the nature and timing of the contractor’s response to loss of, or disruption to, access or services, including water supplies, occurring during road construction.

Contact Details

The Project Liaison Officer for the Charlestown Bypass is Mr. Eamonn Lydon and can be contacted on 094-9047632 or alternatively by e-mail to elydon@regdesign.com