*Hermitage residents, Michael Mahon, Brid Dinan, Caroline Ryan, Michael Kelleher and Michael Leahy. Photograph: John Mangan Photograph: John Mangan
CONCERNS raised by Hermitage residents has led engineers within the Ennis Municipal District to commit to inspecting a resurfacing job completed last August.
Residents have been up in arms with the finished product of a three-day resurfacing job carried out in Hermitage last August.
Caroline Ryan who has lived in Hermitage for 62 years told The Clare Echo of the works, “the quality of work is atrocious, instead of improving the area they have destroyed it”. Ruan native, Michael Leahy could not fathom the methods used by the contractors, “What they have left us with is swimming pools and a terrible looking place. It wasn’t prepared, it was smacked down”.
At this month’s sitting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) flagged the matter. She referenced how residents are beginning to plan for the 75th anniversary of the area later this year and requested “a thorough examination of the roads in this historic part of Ennis”.
Views of the residents were conveyed by Cllr Howard, “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. I request an inspection be carried out by our senior engineer Paddy Tiernan and that remediation works be scheduled urgently”.
Tiernan in his reply recalled that representations were received by Hermitage residents in late 2022 “with regard to the deteriorating road surface” which led to its inclusion in the schedule of works last year. “Without intervention the concrete road would have continued to deteriorate”.
On the methods used, the senior engineer said the ralumac surface applied 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 county and has been previously used without significant issue in many areas across Clare including Ennis”. This surfacing is a cheaper alternative than a traditional road overlay, he confirmed, “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”.
Extending the road’s lifespan and preventing further deterioration “and eventual failure of the surface below” had been the objective, Tiernan advised. “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”.
Due to the concerns raised by residents in Hermitage, the senior engineer committed to carry out an inspection of the area in both wet and dry conditions. “At this stage it is not envisaged that any significant remediation works will be required”.
Speaking at the March meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Howard said it was she and former councillor, Mark Nestor that put forward the area to be resurfaced initially, this was disputed by the Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) who responded, “it was my motion initially by the Grotto”.
All councillors have been contacted by the residents since, Cllr Howard advised. “This surface was put down last year and residents feel it was badly done. They don’t feel it will last any length of time, there was problems with the aesthetics when it was done with walls splattered and paints removed. In their own words, they called it a cheap job”.
Seconding the motion, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) commented, “I can only imagine the costs required to get the work back to the standard”. He added, “it is disappointing that the contractor left splashes on the walls”.
Locals have made their dissatisfaction known, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) acknowledged. “We know the roads were concrete based, removing the concrete and putting this in would be cost-prohibitive”. Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) stated he walked the roads with residents last summer and acknowledged the explanation from the senior engineer.
Splashes on the walls of residents were to attended to “within days of the work being carried out,” Tiernan told the meeting. “It is going to be very challenging to do something any different to what is there at the moment. It is almost like putting a thick skim over the top of the existing surface. I do understand how some residents will not like the aesthetics”.
Senior executive officer, Seán Lenihan told councillors their point has been made and Council staff “know the issue”. He added, “the point is made and we’ve it on our list to consider”.
Upcoming celebrations in Hermitage will be “exciting,” Cllr Daly predicted. “If it is anything like St Michael’s Villas it will be something special,” he said.
