Further disruption is expected for local residents and businesses as works continue to be delayed on the Glasson-Ballykeeran-Coosan sewerage scheme.
Due to complications experienced at the Glasson stage of the scheme, which is the first stage, it is expected that it will be the end of the year before the entire scheme is completed. And until the construction of the Glasson pumping station is completed, road closures will continue to affect residents and businesses in the Glasson and Ballykeeran areas.
Senior water service engineer with Westmeath County Council, Greg Duggan, updated councillors this week on the progress of the scheme, which will provide a new wastewater collection network to serve the three areas.
Developers had run into difficulties in de-watering trenches ahead of laying pipes for the scheme, he said, and due to the high water table there had been significant trench collapse. Council engineers were also in disagreement with the contractors as to how to tackle some of the difficulties encountered.
“We are trying ideas which are working reasonably well. Progress is slow. It will be well into autumn before we finish on the low road, and Ballykeeran will follow when Glasson is built,” said Mr Duggan.
Cllr Mark Cooney expressed particular concern for the residents and business owners affected by the road closures.
“Businesses along this road have been extremely affected. I would ask at the very least that the council acknowledge the inconvenience they have suffered.
“These are well-known difficulties which were presumably known at the design stage, so why were these problems not anticipated?”
Cllr Cooney also suggested those businesses which have been affected by the works should have their connection fees waived when the new scheme comes on stream.
Director of service Barry Kehoe added that the council was “very apologetic” for the delay in the completion of the works.
“Unfortunately we are where we are and it looks like it will be the end of the year. We have an application for road closure up to the end of the year, and we have no option but to grant it.
“It is an awkward position for people who use the road, but I don’t think there is anything we can do. We apologise for the inconvenience it is inevitably going to cause.”
