This article is from page 19 of the 2014-03-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
FLOODING along a stretch of footpath at Ennis General Hospital is creating a dangerous situation for pedestrians and motorists alike, a meeting has heard.
Walkers are being forced out onto the road in front of the hospital after the footpath became submerged under a large pool of water in recent weeks.
Meetings yesterday of councillors in the Ennis electoral area heard the flooding is a high priority for the council.
Senior executive engineer Eamon O’Dea said a road sweeping truck has been “suctioning” water from the area, a course of action he described as “unsustainable”.
Mr O’Dea told the councillors the council has discussed the issue with the Health Services Executive (HSE). A CCTV survey to ascertain the exact reasons for the heavy flooding was carried out in recent days.
Mr O’Dea said it might be necessary to carry out work in the grounds of the hospital to solve the issue.
Cllr Tony Mulqueen (FG) said that if work is required, the council should seek to retrieve some of the cost from the HSE.
Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said pedestrians are being forced onto the road because the footpath is impassable due to water. He said this is particularly dangerous for elderly people living in the area.
Mr O’Dea said solving the problem is a “high priority” for the council.
The council is also to investigate the potential risk of flooding to houses in Victoria Court on Cusack Road.
Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said a number of residents are fearful their homes could flood. He has asked the council to seek funding from the Office of Public Works to deal with flooding in the area.
Mr O’Dea said the council is surveying the area so a “detailed flood risk assessment can be completed”.
“Subject to that assessment an application will be made to the OPW under the minor works scheme,” he added.