Over €1 million needed to repair internal sewage and waterworks at Leitrim estate

The issue of unfinished housing estates in the Ballinamore Municipal District was raised at the recently monthly meeting, which heard that one estate will require funding of over €1million to resolve sewage and waterworks.

Cllr Enda McGloin (FG) tabled a motion seeking a report on unfinished housing estates and estates not currently taken in charge in the District.

“I further ask for a report as to what are the delays and reasons why they are not in a position to be taken in charge and in particular if we can get some specific update on an An Gairdin Estate, Keshcarrigan.

“Where is this estate at in terms of getting their wastewater infrastructure difficulties resolved?” his motion added.

The residents of the An Gairdin estate have been dealing with ongoing subsidence issues in recent years. A previous meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District heard that it may be beyond the financial capabilities of Leitrim County Council to deal with the issues in the estate.

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Speaking on his motion, Cllr McGloin said that “there are concerns about the inactivity of Uisce Eireann. I would be anxious that we would go ahead with a workshop to see what is left in the Ballinamore District and get to the bottom of delays in taking in charge of estates.”

Speaking about the issues in the An Gairdin Estate, Cllr McGloin said, “Leitrim County Council are doing their best. However, a substantial investment from the Department is required. It will require over €1 million to repair internal sewage and waterworks.”

“For the residents of the estate, there is no light at the end of tunnel,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the council, Director of Services, David Minton, said that “as a part of a workshop, estates could be profiled to see the types of challenges involved.”

A written reply from the council stated, “The Planning Authority will prepare a report as requested and has no difficulty in facilitating a workshop with the elected members following its completion.

“In relation to An Gairdin, the Local Authority opened up a slit trench to confirm whether or not the foul sewer was reinforced on a ground beam in late January. Unfortunately, due to the extent of ground water present and despite using two pumps, this exercise proved inconclusive,” the reply added.

The reply went on to state that “The Local Authority are meeting with Uisce Eireann on a regular basis to examine issues within An Gairdin, but also within the wider foul sewer network within the village with a view to identifying a cost effective solution.

“Leitrim County Council does not have capacity from our own resources to remedy the wastewater network issues within An Gairdin and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have indicated that there is no housing scheme available to assist at this time.

“However, efforts continue to identify a source of funding. Since December, Uise Eireann have continued to regularly pump out wastewater within the estate and adjoining, which is welcomed,” the reply added.

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