This article is from page 12 of the 2011-08-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
SECTIONS of the Ennis and Clarecastle sewer network will be upgraded and extended in parallel with a proposed development at the Clondroadmore Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), a meeting has heard.
David Timlin, Director of Environment and Water Services with Clare County Council, told an oral hearing in Ennis that money is available for the works.
It follows concerns raised at the hearing by Senior Inspector with An Bord Pleanála, Mary Kennelly and Board representative, David Kelly.
The board had sought clarification from the Council regarding the intended upgrading works for the wastewater collection system in Ennis.
In his response read out at the hearing, Thomas McKeown, associate partner with JB Barry and Partner’s Consultant Engineers, said reports in 2002 and 2011 had “identified the requirement for sewer structural rehabilitation and for upgrading and extension of the wastewater collection system in Ennis and Clarecastle”.
The Ennis Clarecastle Main Drainage Preliminary Report Addendum (July 2011) states, “It is recommended that sewer rehabilitation and sur- face water separate works be carried out in order to maximise the capacity and extend the design life of existing and upgraded wastewater treatment infrastructure, to reduce the energy costs associated with pump station operation and to provide adequate infrastructure for future development”.
Mr McKeown explained that work carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on the River Fergus certified drainage scheme (phases one and two) will “assist towards the objective of reducing the surface water component in the combined sewer network and reducing the hydraulic load to the waste water treat- ment facilities for the town”.
He continued, “This will also reduce the constituent volume of storm water entering the Clonroadmore treatment plant and will reduce periods of overflow.”
Mr McKeown explained that the “preliminary report addendum 2011 includes a recommendation for foul and surface water sewer rehabilitation in Ennis at an estimated cost of € 1.89 million excluding VAT.”
Both Ms Kennelly and Mr Kelly expressed concern over the implications of funding not being available for the sewer network upgrade.
Mr Kelly said the board had to establish if the Council could meet water surface regulations in the absence of funding for the wastewater collection system in Ennis and Clarecastle.
Mr Timlin told the hearing that the funding is in place and that the Council had already identified the “highest priority” sewer network areas in Ennis.
Responding to a question from Ms Kelly, Mr Timlin said, “Clare County Council will fund this work if necessary. It will be done in parallel with the Clonroadmore upgrade.”
Ms Kelly told the hearing that completion of the sewer upgrade works could be attached as planning condition to the Clonroadmore project.