Timetable of decisions and delays

A chronology of key events from 1999 to this month's decision by Galway Co Co to award the contract for completion of the Eyre…

A chronology of key events from 1999 to this month's decision by Galway Co Co to award the contract for completion of the Eyre Square redevelopment to a new company.

January 1999 - Millennium project to redevelop Eyre Square drawn up by consultants unveiled by Galway city manager Joe Gavin, at quoted price of €2.5 million

January 2000 - Plan displayed and public meeting held in Great Southern Hotel. Galway Environmental Alliance formed to oppose the plan, which included removing mature trees.

June 2000 - Galway city councillors approve the project

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September 2002 - An Bord Pleanála holds oral hearing, following appeals over environmental impact statement commissioned by new city manager John Tierney

November 2002 - An Bord Pleanála rules in favour of the project with conditions

February 2003 - Galway Environmental Alliance holds 24-hour vigil over fate of trees in the square

June 2003 - Tender for the project initiated. Four contractors shortlisted

January 2004 - Samuel Kingston Construction Ltd awarded €6.362 million contract, with deadline of 78 weeks. EU meetings in Galway delayed start, extending deadline to November 2005.

March 2005 - Health and Safety Authority issues critical report after site inspection

April 2005 - Workers walk off site over non-payment of wages

June 2005 - Health and Safety Authority issues further very critical report

June 2005 - Pembrokeshire Housing Association tries to contact Galway City Council over its difficulties with company owned by Samuel Kingston

June 27th 2005 - Samuel Kingston Construction leaves the Eyre Square site in the early hours of the morning

Sept 2005 - Galway City Council confirms that Siac Construction is the preferred bidder to complete the project, in six months from October