Twenty-two estates have been taken in charge by the Galway County Council throughout 2016 and 2017, with discussions taking place to bring more estates under the council’s remit.
Independent Alliance Galway East TD Seán Canney has welcomed progress on the taking in charge of housing schemes. The total number of estates taken in charge in 2017 is 11, with 11 also taken in charge in 2016. Estates taken in charge in 2017 were Cregg View, Oughterard; Riverview, Gort; Church View, Menlough; Wuthering Heights, Mountbellew; Abbey Trinity, Tuam; Woodfield, Tuam; Palace Fields, Tuam; Bothar an tSleibhe, Moycullen; Abhainn Rhuibhe, Oughterard; Cnoc na gCaor, Abbeyknockmoy; Droim na Cille, Loughrea.
‘Taking in charge’ means the council has responsibility for the maintenance of road footpaths and public lighting. It also means Irish Water takes responsibility for the maintenance of the underground pipe network for water and sewerage services. Residents’ associations are responsible for the upkeep of open spaces and green spaces.
Dep Canney is currently in discussion with the council in relation to a number of other housing estates that are in the process of being brought up to standard for taking in charge. Government funding has also been made available to assist with the cost of getting estates up to the required standard.
