Broadford sewerage scheme not a priority

East Clare councillors are kicking up stink about the lack of Government funding for a new sewerage scheme in Broadford, despite being included in previous Water Services Investment Programmes.

 

Councillor Joe Cooney complained at a recent Killaloe Electoral Area ­meeting that a new sewerage scheme for ­Broadford was included in a Government Investment Programme a few years ago but then dropped out.

The Fine Gael councillor said he understood a site had been purchased and some preliminary works had been completed, which raised the question about what else had to be done.

Senior executive engineer Hugh McGrath confirmed Broadford is no longer on the Water Services Investment Programme, so no capital scheme is likely in the near future.

Mr McGrath pointed out any upgrade or improvements to existing wastewater treatment systems in Broadford would have to be addressed by the owners of each system, having regard to the appropriate licensing system.

“Under the 2012 Water Services Amendment Act, water services authorities are required to maintain a register of domestic waste water treatment systems in their functional areas.

“In this regard, this new registration system relates to single domestic house treatment systems. Wastewater Treatment Systems treating more than one unit are covered under existing legislation prior to the new system,” he explained.

Mr McGrath told councillors a site was purchased, the planning stage was completed and the scheme had entered the next stage but there is no funding for its completion.

Councillor Cooney said  some people in Broadford have problems with their septic tanks and stressed something should be done to prioritise this sewerage scheme.

However, Mr McGrath pointed out Broadford didn’t meet the four specific criteria for the prioritising of new schemes, which includes complying with a European Court of Justice ruling, the provision of schemes in gateways and hubs.

He admitted it is very hard to see how Broadford could be progressed using this criteria.
Councillor Pat Burke said it was a “sad day for Broadford” that it wouldn’t be getting a new sewerage scheme.

He pointed out it was one of the last places in Clare without a sewerage scheme.

Councillor Begley recalled that Broadford was advanced to a point where it was going to tender and was previously running in tandem with the new Clonlara Sewerage Scheme.

Councillor Cathal Crowe said if 70 or 80 septic tanks need upgrading, then it would be far more cost effective to sanction a new scheme.

Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald recalled councillors were previously told in 2005 that Broadford would get a new sewerage scheme.

Senior executive officer Michael McNamara confirmed Broadford was included in a previous investment programme but noted the Department of the Environment had told the council that funding is not available for a number of small schemes, including Broadford.

He added the department decided what villages are included in investment programmes.