Kildare County Council can't decide to buy goods from local firms exclusively

Kildare County Council cannot “shop local” exclusively when buying products.

Independent councillor Tom McDonnell asked that KCC purchase sand, gravel and concrete products produced in County Kildare.

He said local businesses are concerned  because they are losing out to products sourced in Northern Ireland, which do not have to pay  the Defective Concrete Products Levy of 5%, introduced because of mica controversy affecting residential properties.

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KCC official Celina Barret said KCC must ensure that value for money is achieved by establishing and maintaining arrangements including procedures for planning, appraisal, authorisation and control of resources. 

KCC’s decisions must be the “ most economically advantageous to get the best value in both good and services.” and ikt can only buy local goods “in the context of proper procurement, value for money" and “in compliance with national funding and procurement rules."

KCC also pointed out it cannot deliberately purchase from suppliers on the basis of location. KCC is also striving to use suitable green procurement quality criteria in its tender assessment process and because “a significant part of the scoring of tenders is based on quality, this should encourage the use of local building materials.”