Leitrim County Council faces huge challenges in Keshcarrigan estate

Problems with infrastructure in the unfinished An Gairdín Estate in Keshcarrigan are mainly due to the use of inadequate construction methods for the site’s ground conditions, as reported to the Ballinamore municipal district.

Cllr Enda McGloin put forward a motion asking the municipal district to consider a full report and review of the challenges around the estate. 

Cllr McGloin also asked what resources are required to bring the infrastructure up to an acceptable standard, and what assurances can be given to residents.

In an extensive response from the Planning Department, the Ballinamore municipal district was informed that recent surveys in An Gairdín Estate revealed issues with nearly all aspects of the infrastructure, including sinking roads and damaged or collapsed drainage pipes.

These problems are mainly due to the use of inadequate construction methods for the site’s ground conditions, and the road and services are sinking into the peat under their own weight.

Leitrim County Council has a bond attached to the estate which will be applied towards the cost of remedial works once the bond claim is finalised. However, the bond is worth €56,256 — significantly less than the cost of works required. 

The cost of repairs is estimated to be €300,000. Uisce Éireann may cover approximately one third of this amount as there are significant issues with the foul drainage network, as well as necessary works on the water main system.

Leitrim and Roscommon County Councils trial temporary footbridge in Roosky

Leitrim County Council in partnership with Roscommon County Council want to hear feedback on the footbridge, which will be in place for two weeks.

The root cause of the issue, poor sub-surface ground conditions, must also be addressed to prevent the problems from recurring.

The final cost of works is estimated to be between €500,000 and €1,500,000 depending on what remediation scheme is adopted.

The Council intends to apply for additional funding from the Department of Housing. Residents will be advised and consulted once a preferred solution to the problems is chosen.

In the meantime, the Council will continue to pump out the estates sewer as needed.

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