Council accused of a ‘cheap job’ on Hermitage Road

RESIDENTS of one of Ennis’ most historic housing estates have been left “hugely disappointed” with resurfacing works carried out by the council last year in what has been described as a “cheap job”.
Calls have been made for an inspection of the works at Hermitage to be carried out and for remediation works to be scheduled “urgently” as the estate prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year.
The concerns of residents were highlighted at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District by Councillor Mary Howard (FG) who said, “The residents are not happy with the resurfacing works completed in parts of the area last year. They believe it to be uneven, thin and flimsy and they have noticed ponding and pooling of water throughout the area.”
Concrete roads in Hermitage were covered with a Ralumac surface last year after local concerns were raised over the deterioration of the road surface. Paddy Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer, outlined to the meeting that the surface is “used extensively” across the country and has been used without issue in areas including Ennis.
He said the only alternative is to rip out the concrete and construct a new road surface but the costs would be “astonishing” while also causing damage to nearby structures. He said insisted while the new surface may not be aesthetically pleasing, it is functional.
The Municipal District have agreed to carry out an inspection of the area in both wet and dry weather conditions with Mr Tiernan saying, “At this stage it is not envisaged that any significant remediation works will be required.”
Councillor Howard told the meeting residents of Hermitage have made representations to all of the elected members outlining that the works have been “badly done”. “They called it a cheap job,” she said outlining there are a number of pinch points where ponding and pooling occurs.
Calling for a “thorough inspection” of the works she said, “The residents deserve a little bit more, it is one of the oldest parts f the town.” She expressed appreciation to the council for recent works on the area’s grotto.
“I think it is important that we do what we can so these proud people can put their best foot forward,” she said.
Councillor Tom O’Callaghan (FF), supporting the motion, said he received contact from residents who were “disappointed” to find splashes had been left on walls during the works.
“It would be lovely to get it done to a high standard,” he said.
Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) commented, “We have all hard from locals about their lack of satisfaction with the finished product”.
Councillor Johnny Flynn (FG)welcomed the commitment to carrying out an inspection.
In his written response to the motion, Mr Tiernan outlined, “In late 2022 Clare County Council received representations on behalf of the residents in Hermitage with regard to the deteriorating road surface.
“As a result Ennis Municipal District included the concrete roads in Hermitage within the Schedule of Municipal District Works for 2023. Without intervention the concrete road would have continued to deteriorate.
“The Ralumac surface installed last summer is an approved method for sealing and protecting roads in low trafficked areas with speed limits of 50kmph or less.
“This method is used extensively across the country and has been previously used without significant issue in many areas across Clare including Ennis. The purpose of the surface is to seal the existing road and thereby extend its lifespan. This type of surfacing is a cheaper alternative than a traditional road overlay.
“Residential areas in Ennis are very unlikely to receive funding for any other type of surface. This is especially prevalent in Hermitage where the existing roads were of a concrete structure. The only alternative in this scenario would be to break up and remove the concrete and then construct a new road surface. 
“This is not a financially viable option and such a methodology would likely cause damage to nearby structures.
“As outlined above the purpose of the product is to extend the lifespan of the road and to prevent further deterioration and eventual failure of the surface below. The product whilst not as aesthetically pleasing as a traditional overlay is functional and serves an important role in the road maintenance strategy of all local authorities. The thin nature of the product ensures the existing gradients of the road remains unchanged following its application. Therefore the product itself does not create any additional pooling of water compared to pre-existing conditions.
“However, in light of the concerns raised by residents Ennis Municipal District will carry out an inspection of the area in both wet and dry weather conditions. At this stage it is not envisaged that any significant remediation works will be required.”
Speaking at the meeting he said that any splashes from the works were dealt with within days of being carried out. He explained removing the concrete would involve the use of large machinary and run the risk of causing cracks to walls locally.
He said it would be “very, very challenging to do anything different to what is there at the moment”. Sean Lenihan, senior engineer, stated the council are aware of the issue, however they are “limited” to what they can do. “We have a finite budget” he said.
Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Pat Daly (FF) suggested the need for funding to replace the roads at Hermitage could be raised with Clare’s Oireachtas members during an upcoming meeting. “This is a real townie area and this can be overcome I have no doubt. It is exciting they are celebrating their 75th anniversary. We need the funding for this.”