Difficulties with Clarecastle development highlighted

Clare County Council has been requested to clarify whether a planning bond will cover an unspecified list of outstanding issues concerning a relatively new housing estate in Clarecastle.
Concern about the delay in resolving a number of problems affecting Inis Clair, Kildysart Road, Clarecastle, were highlighted by Councillor Paul Murphy at a recent Ennis East Electoral Area meeting.
With 59 houses and a large number of apartments in this estate, the Fine Gael councillor considers the issue is a matter of urgency.
Councillor Murphy requested the council to brief him on any attempts that may have been made by the developer or receiver in having this estate publicly taken in charge.
“I am led to believe that this has been a problem for over two years and that there are several issues to be resolved, such as public lighting, sewerage problems and general work within the development.
“The residents committee has contacted the receiver on several occasions, trying to get these works carried out, and the handover completed. However, they have only received vague timelines and empty promises.
“I would like to hear what works are outstanding and as to whether the bond will cover these,” he said.
Administration officer Mairéad O’Donovan confirmed the council has not received a Taking In Charge application in relation to Inis Clair development and the bond is a surety bond, which is in place with “no expiry date”.
Inis Clair is defined as a Category Two estate in the council’s list of Unfinished Estates.
A Category 2 estate is where a receiver has been appointed and the development is being appropriately managed from a public safety perspective.
“The council will be inspecting this estate as part of its list of Unfinished Estates and an update can be provided following the inspection/report,” she said.