The CEO of a global financial services company has hit out at remarks made by the manager of Waterford City Council.
Council Chief Executive Michael Walsh recently dismissed claims that 1,500 financial services jobs are coming to Waterford and the southeast.
The jobs were announced last December by the Cyprus-based Woodbrook Group who said they plan to set up their Irish Headquarters in Waterford city and will establish a health insurance company here as part of a 100 million euro investment.
Responding to a question from Councillor Declan Clune in Dungarvan's Council chamber last Thursday, Council boss Michael Walsh says he does't believe the jobs will ever be created.
However, the CEO of Woodbrook Group, Waterford man Michael Doherty insists that he is fully committed to bringing the jobs here but that the project has been delayed beacause of issues such as a housing shortage and delays with the North Quays.
He says he has not needed to liaise with Waterford City Council but criticised Michael Walsh's comments.
"I think for a City Manager to make those type of comments without making any inroads in contacting us is pretty poor, said Mr Doherty. "What the Waterford City Manager says and does is immaterial to me as we can see they have alot of problems themselves in Waterford City Council. I don't take it personally when they comment on someone who is trying to bring investment into the south-east and Waterford when they can't do what they are supposed to be doing already. I haven't reached out to Waterford City Council as there is no need at this moment in time. When the time comes and we need something I absolutely will. I have been in touch with senior members of the government and the IDA."