‘Big relief’ for residents of Longford housing estate

A county councillor who called upon Longford County Council to submit a request to Uisce Éireann “to take in charge the Glasheen housing estate in Drumlish as a matter of urgency” has spoken of his relief that the council have begun actively tackling one of his highlighted issues - namely that of defective fencing which posed a serious health and safety hazard, particularly to the children in the estate as it meant access to the drain was exposed. 

At a recent meeting of Granard Municipal District, Cllr David Cassidy put forward a motion in which he asked that Glasheen be made a “priority estate due to issues with public health in the sewerage and wastewater network which has flooded a house in this estate recently.” 

Cllr Cassidy’s motion also included a request for the council to “carry out upgrade works that are required due to this flooding.” 

The councillor’s motion also pointed out that defective fencing and open drains were “a serious concern in the estate for residents particularly families with young children” Cllr Garry Murtagh seconded the motion.    

Addressing the chamber, Cllr Cassidy explained that in the period since his motion was submitted, he had received the news that the fencing was going to be upgraded. 

He said, “I have been on site with Gerry Shaughnessy and I'm pleased that the fencing is going to be upgraded before Christmas. I'm really happy to see that the end is in sight for the residents of the estate.”  

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Responding to Cllr Cassidy’s motion, Director of Services, Barbara Heslin, explained that with regard to the storm sewers in the estate, there was a process that needed to take place and that “they need to be assessed and repairs carried out.”

 She said remedial works were required and added, “that work is ongoing; there’s consultants in place to carry out that work.” 

Ms Heslin also clarified the process involved in the taking charge of the estate, explaining that it was in fact Longford County Council, and not Uisce Éireann, that would initially have to do so. 

She added that there was a pumping station attached to the housing estate that had “already been taken  charge of by Uisce Éireann.”      

Speaking to the Longford Leader following the meeting, Cllr Cassidy said, “The issue with the Glasheen Housing Estate has been going on for many years now but it's looking like we're nearly at the finish line.

“ I'm very happy the council has acted on this motion and that the fencing is going to be done in December. This was something I've been pushing since I got in, so I’m very happy to see it being sorted.

 “There's children in that estate and their safety is priority. Pipes can be sorted out afterwards but the safety of the children is paramount. It's a big relief for the residents.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme 

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