This article is from page 32 of the 2008-05-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
THE ongoing failure of pump sta- tions to work has resulted in drains being blocked and foul smells ema- nating in Shannon.
This was the view of Councillor Pa- tricia McCarthy (Ind) who has called for a report to be presented on the reasons for the problems.
She has asked for details to be out- lined as to the number of times the pumps have failed and why the re- serve pumps have also failed.
A written response from Clare County Council executive engineer Liam Murphy accepted that the Shan- non wastewater network is “more
prone to blockages than networks in other catchments. The topography of Shannon results in flat gradients to sewer pipe runs, although they are still within the parameters allowed.”
It stated that: “there is a designated crew responding to all reports of blocked sewers and unusual smells in the Shannon area and they are also proactive by inspecting troublesome areas before and after weekends and following dry spells.”
He stated that the numerous pump houses were continuously monitored by Response Engineering, as part of their operation and maintenance contract to the council and log books were kept at each house.
“Blockages may occur at pump houses occasionally, but there are at least two pumps installed at each pump house operating on a duty and standby scenario as a safety valve,” added the response.
However Councillor McCarthy said she was not happy with certain aspects of the response.
“I am concerned as to why the standby pumps are not working. It is happening at such a frequency. We are all aware it is happening too of- ten not to be noticed,” she said.
Cllr Gerry Flynn (Ind) said, “Shan- non is so low-lying, we are dependent on the pumps and the back-up system we don’t have. We get lots of com-
plaints from Newtown football club, where there pitch was flooded.”
“With modern technology, there is no reason why there shouldn’t be a warning system in place, where they are problems and a second system to kick in,’ added Cllr Flynn.
Councillor Tony Mulcahy (FG) said “a permanent solution” 1s desir- able. “The update report isn’t good enough,” he said.
Senior Executive Engineer Donal Hogan said there are “checks and balances to ensure everything is checked out. There are regular meet- ings. There are daily checks on pump houses. We are up to speed with what is happening.”