Funding still not sanctioned

FUNDING for the planned wastewater treatment plant at Quin Gardens, approved for planning permission late last year, has yet to be sanctioned by the Government.

 

At last week’s meeting of Ennis East Electoral Area, it was confirmed that an application has been made by Clare County Council to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government for sanction to raise a loan. The tendering of the job is contingent on the finance being received, however the department have yet to sanction the loan.

Both Councillors Sonny Scanlan and Johnny Flynn raised the matter at the meeting, as they called for an up to date position on the project.

In response to notices of motion by both councillors, Sean Ward, senior engineer with Clare County Council outlined, “Clare County Council is committed to this upgrade. Part 8 planning approval has been granted and tender documents for the job are close to completion.

“However, the completion of the documents and the tendering of the job are contingent on the necessary finance being obtained. Following approval at the council meeting of March 2012 of the raising of a loan for this and a number of other jobs, application has been made to the DECLG for sanction to raise a loan. If and when the department’s sanction is received, we must seek funds from the institutions in the financial markets.”

Councillor Scanlan raised concerns that there is “no guarantee” that the necessary funding will arrive. CouncillorJohnny Flynn stated the impression had been given that the money was available for the job and he also pointed out the growing population of Quin.

Councillor Tommy Brennan urged that the council’s Fine Gael members contact Minister Phil Hogan saying, “This is going on long enough.”

Councillor Pat Daly commented, “We’ve waited a long time for this”.

Planning permission was granted for the €500,000 upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant at Quin Gardens following a resolution passed at last December’s meeting of Clare County Council

The proposed development comprises the upgrade of the existing municipal wastewater plant and includes a splitter chamber, a storm overflow tank, an aeration tank, a settlement tank and the removal of existing sludge beds and the replacement of the same with a new sludge tank.

The upgrade will double the existing plant’s capacity and is expected to end foul smells noted to be emanating from the existing plant in periods of heavy rain. The works will increase the capacity of the treatment plant to a population equivalent of 1,400, which is to serve the needs of Quin village and its environs into the future.