Sewerage system ‘critical’ to Ennis/Clarecastle development

THE advancement of the Ennis/Clarecastle Sewerage Scheme is “critical” for the development of both Ennis and Clarecastle, Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has stated.

Deputy Carey has received an updated position on the scheme following discussion with Environment Minister, Phil Hogan. According to Minister Hogan, the submission by Clare County Council did not contain all the necessary documentation. The documents are set to be submitted this month, after which examination of the preliminary report can be progressed to conclusion. Approval of the report will allow the council to prepare contract documents for the scheme.
The Ennis/Clarecastle Sewerage Scheme was included in the Department of Environment’s Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at an estimated cost of €57.8 million. In consideration of the Department’s observations and the proposed high cost of the scheme, the council commenced a review and adjustment of the design and programme for the scheme, in order to reduce costs and progress the scheme in phases.
Following a submission by the council, the scheme was re-configured in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 as two schemes – Ennis/Clarecastle Sewerage Scheme Phase 1 and Ennis/Clarecastle Sewerage Scheme Phase 2. Phase 1 of the scheme provides for the upgrade of the Clonroadmore and Clareabbey wastewater treatment plants and Phase 2 of the scheme provides for the linking of the two treatment plants together with a large outfall pipe.
Progress under the new Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 was reviewed in mid 2011 and through this process, consideration was given to any newly emerging priority contracts and schemes submitted by local authorities for addition to the Programme.
Following receipt of a submission by Clare County Council, the Clonroadmore Treatment Plant was upgraded under the annual review process to a ‘Contract to Start’ status at a cost of €2.8m.
According to Deputy Carey, “A Preliminary Report Addendum for the scheme was received in July 2011 and is currently with the department for examination. Unfortunately, this submission did not include all necessary documentation required to complete examination of the preliminary report, some of which are still outstanding. I understand that the council have advised that the remaining documents will be submitted in July, after which examination of the preliminary report can be progressed to conclusion. Approval of the preliminary report will allow the council to proceed with the preparation of contract documents for the initial contracts to be advanced for the scheme.
“I would urge Clare County Council to ensure all necessary documentation is sent to the department without delay. I welcome the fact that Minister Hogan has taken a hands-on approach to this issue and will continue to raise this matter, as it’s critical for the development of both Ennis and Clarecastle,” said Deputy Carey.