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Fórsa awaiting WRC date in dispute over City Council move to Crown Square

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Fórsa awaiting WRC date in dispute over City Council move to Crown Square

Fórsa says it's awaiting a date in the Workplace Relations Commission over the City Council's controversial move to Crown Square in Mervue.

The union opposed a locally-based conciliation process - saying the WRC was necessitated by the failure of management to consult with staff over the move.

Fórsa says a move of this scale - involving up to 150 staff - should not have proceeded without the necessary consultation.

In a statement, it argues the legislation not only requires it, but professional courtesy demands it.

It further notes the seemingly rushed purchase of the new building at Crown Square in 2022, with councillors given just three days in 2022 to approve a loan.

An initial WRC hearing took place in July and the union sought further engagement on the basis that it has several outstanding questions for council management.

The statement claims the initial answers were "far from satisfactory".

It concludes that relocating the offices will effectively put the council’s services out of reach for many service users, as public transport links are totally inadequate.

As for Crown Square itself, it was initially costed at around €45m in 2022 - but with significant work still outstanding, many are questioning what the final cost will be.

A meeting at City Hall in July heard claims from Councillor Alan Cheevers that when the final bill is presented, there could be a cost overrun of up to €30m.

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