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Councillor Ann Norton who has suggested a survey of the condition of local authority estates

Calls for survey of condition of local authority housing estates in Ennis

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A SURVEY should be carried out to ensure the condition of housing estates in the charge of the local authority is “kept up to a certain level” with an annual maintenance programme put in place, an Ennis councillor has suggested.

Councillor Ann Norton was speaking at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District councillors where the “appalling condition” of footpaths and the road surface in a residential area of Ennis was highlighted.

An assessment of the Maiville estate in Ennis was sought by Councillor Mary Howard who stated, “The footpaths and road surface in Maiville is in an appalling condition, man-hole covers are a number of inches above the road surface and are a health and safety risk.”

She stated that the man-hole covers are “very dangerous” and she urged the council to take action “as a matter of urgency”.

Ian Chaplin, acting senior executive engineer confirmed that the estate is in the charge of the local authority and will be inspected.

Councillor Paul Murphy gave his support to Councillor Howard’s motion. Councillor Pat Daly said plans by the council to inspect the location is “very welcome” saying “the footpaths might need some resurfacing, the residents have been looking for it.”

Councillor Norton pointed out that the elected members regularly highlight issues with footpaths at meetings of the council.

She suggested, “Would it be better if the council engineers do a survey of all housing estates in the Ennis Municipal District to make sure the upkeep of estates is being kept at a certain level?”

She stressed it is particularly important to ensure accessibility for the elderly and those with disabilities. Councillor Norton pointed out that Ennis is an Age Friendly Town while the council also work with disability groups towards improving accessibility in the town. This was evident recently during Make Way Day, she outlined.

“We should be maintaining all estates that are in the council’s ownership, I think we should have a maintenance project on a yearly basis so footpaths and roads are kept in good condition. There are elderly people and people with disabilities living in these housing estates.”

Leonore O’Neill, Senior Executive Officer commented that the Ennis Municipal District carries out maintenance on a regular basis through the road works programme.

She added that the council works to the best of its ability with the resources available and she urged that any issues be brought to the attention of the Ennis Municipal District so they can be listed for remediation.

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