*Cllr Ian Lynch. Photograph: Gary Collins
SPECIFIC funding streams need to be established to allow for the maintenance of housing estates, a Kilrush councillor has argued.
While appealing for resurfacing works at Shannon Heights in Kilrush and Marian Estate in Kilkee, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) requested that a specific funding stream “separate to the roads allocation” be created “to adequately finance the maintenance of housing estates into the future”.
Alan Kennelly, senior executive engineer in the West Clare Municipal District said that both estates
were “typical of many housing developments in West Clare. Both developments are perhaps 50 years or more old and the road surface is relatively poor in places”.
Road reconstruction must be completed to restore the road surface to its original condition “and this can only be done using a bituminous pavement overlay. Surface dressing isn’t an option in housing developments due to loose chippings. Overlays are expensive and the West Clare MD does not have the funds in its annual roadworks programme to carry out pavement overlays in these – and many other – housing developments,” Kennelly stated.
He said a dedicated funding stream to cater for overlay works in West Clare housing developments would be welcomed.
A “perfect storm” is set to brew, Cllr Lynch warned as he referenced the increased amount of estates taken in charge by the Council and critiques of the infrastructure provided by Irish Water. He acknowledged the “substantial costs” associated with Shannon Heights requiring a repair “every second month”.
Lynch commented, “We need the Government to set aside specific funding for us. We have to set aside some money for repair of footpaths and maintenance in estates. Irish Water have an awful lot to answer for in Shannon Heights, they need to go to the halfway line and can’t just dig a hole and leave it”.
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) endorsed the proposal. He said one particular estate in Kilkee was left in a “horrendous” condition and backed the call for a specific funding stream.
