Ongoing saga of group sewerage scheme

Consultants have been appointed to re-assess the construction costs of the Hartley group sewerage scheme in Carrick-on- Shannon and the process is ongoing, local councillors were told at a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District this week.
The long-running saga of the Hartley group scheme has been on the agenda for years and affects about 50 households in the Carrick-on-Shannon area.
Councillors again stressed to the council the need for action to be taken with regard to the scheme which Cllr Enda Stenson said is “an ongoing saga” with Cllr Finola Armstrong-McGuire saying residents in that area “have been left in limbo” while Cllr Des Guckian said residents had been “let down.”

Cllr Enda Stenson noted at the meeting that “it's a long time since we had the meeting with Hartley residents association” in Hartley, adding “we are probably no further on than we were that day, at this stage.”
Justin Fannon, acting Director of Services, said he believed there was an “issue getting a consultant to undertake the work; initially it went out to tender and I think they didn't get anyone.”
However, he added, “It is my understanding there are now consultants appointed and they are undertaking the work.”
Cllr Stenson asked Mr Fannon to follow up on the matter saying that “the situation the people are left in is certainly not ideal; we have talked about the whole issue with septic tanks in that area and the grants for septic tanks; there are so many issues that relate to this, it's probably not good enough and we are not getting any reply at all.”
He added, “I have personally told people not to try and upgrade their septic tanks because they can't afford to upgrade them until the government comes up with extra funding for the grant aid; it's not fair what is happening.”
Cllr Sean McGowan supported the motion saying “It is a serious situation and there are 50 houses there and beside the Shannon and we are drawing out water from the Shannon for drinking.”
He concluded, “I hope that funding will be provided; that's the most important thing.”
Cllr Finola Armstrong-McGuire said the group are being “left in limbo” saying they “have done their best and more” and said that there needs to be more substantial grants for septic tanks.
Cllr Des Guckian said the committee raised funds for the scheme and were “let down” adding, “the committee have been left high and dry and I don't think that's right.”