20 estates still not taken in charge

TWENTY housing estates in Shannon haven’t been taken in charge by Clare County Council, it was revealed at last week’s town council meeting.

Independent Councillor Cathy McCafferty put forward a motion asking for a report with information on the number not taken in charge and what provision is being made to complete the taking in charge process.

In his report, Eugene O’Shea stated, “There are 20 housing developments in Shannon that are not in the charge of the council.

“Included in this number are voluntary housing estates as well as private developments and apartment complexes managed by companies where the developers don’t necessarily want the council to take in charge.”

With regard to the steps that need to be taken before a development is taken in charge, he stated, “The process of taking in charge would include the following elements: public lighting, roads and footpaths, undergound services including sewers and watermains and open spaces. Developers should note that liability for the above elements remains with the developer until the development is taken in charge by the council. The number of estates in the taking in charge process at any given time depends on the number of applications received from developers.

“Outstanding issues to bring an estate to the required standard may take some time, depending on the nature and extent of the issues.”

Councillor McCafferty said she was surprised that so many developments haven’t been taken in charge. She also said residents are being negatively affected.

“Last week, I made representations on behalf of a family who complained of water flooding onto their property. They were having problems with this for some time.

“The estate they live in has not been taken in charge by Clare County Council and the council had been reluctant to take action. In the end, the problem was addressed but only because of the water leakage.

“We have seen with the Glaise na Rinne development that Clare County Council were very anxious to borrow €2.5 million when the scheme fell way below targets.

“Effectively, the taxpayer is bailing out Glaise na Rinne. But where is the bailout for ordinary people who bought houses from private developers?

“In many cases, these people bought their home at the height of the boom. They bought in good faith and some are now in negative equity. Now, because of the developer going bust, the council refuses to take charge of the services on the estate.”

Councillor Gerry Flynn said he felt Cluain Aoibhinn and Radharc na Coille should be taken in charge.