Drainage issues need resolving before resurfacing

HOUSEHOLDERS in Meelick have been asked by Clare County Council to address off-site drainage problems before the authority can consider re-surfacing a road.

 

Councillor Cathal Crowe had asked Clare County Council to rectify drainage problems and substandard road surface conditions at Cappantymore, Meelick.

Senior executive engineer Hugh McGrath stated there are significant drainage issues on this road mainly, but not solely, relating to landowners’ off-site drainage, which must be addressed.

Mr McGrath estimated that less than 20% of the properties draining onto this road have taken measures to comply with their obligations under Section 76 of the Roads Act 1993 and/or their planning conditions, where relevant.
“Once this matter has been addressed, we will be in a position to re-examine the possibility of bringing funding for upgrade of this road forward, having consideration for the funding available and the determined priority. This may involve notification to landowners under Section 76 of the Roads Act,” he said.

Councillor Crowe claimed this problem is being exacerbated by the collapse of a section of drainage pipes, which resulted in water bubbling up to the surface during periods of heavy rainfall. He asked the council if it could examine the overall drainage system in the area to see if something could be done to address this.

Mr McGrath pointed out there are a number of householders who let their surface water fly down their driveway and out onto the public road. While the council could examine the drainage issue, he reiterated there is no point in resurfacing the road if nearby houses had poor drainage, which would damage it. He said there is no point in putting the road into the resurfacing programme if the authority does not get co-operation from locals.

Councillor Crowe asked if the council is statue barred in terms of taking enforcement action in this case, considering seven years had elapsed.

Mr McGrath confirmed the authority is entitled to issue an information notice to residents in the first instance, reminding them of their obligations but warned this would be followed up with a formal enforcement notice, if no action is taken within three of four months.
He added the council would have no difficulty if residents decided to come together and deal with this issue as a group.

Councillor Michael Begley pointed out a lot of the houses are situated at a much higher level than the road, which makes it difficult to contain surface water or run-off within individual sites. He suggested it would help if the council could find a suitable place to divert the water.

Mr McGrath stated there is a stream at the back of the houses, which could be examined as a possible option. Another alternative is the provision of a soakpit within individual sites.

Councillor Crowe pointed out the surface water has also created its own channel and felt it this is more defined and diverted to a suitable place, it could help resolve drainage issues.