Longford planners receive application for the removal of historic features in Edgeworthstown and Granard

Uisce Éireann have made an application to Longford County Council to remove a protected historic feature of the Granard townscape that they removed last August.

The water utility company lodged three applications to remove a free-standing Victorian cast-iron vent pipe in Edgeworthstown and Granard.

Six months ago workers were halted by locals in Edgeworthstown when they endeavoured to take an angle grinder to the protected features. The private contractor had already removed one from Trumra Road in Granard, which was erected around the early 1900s.

The first Uisce Éireann applications are for the removal of an existing vent stack which is a protected structure, reference 334 in the planning authority's record of protected structures. The application seeks retention of a replacement vent stack and associated pipework and ancillary site works at Trumra Road, Granard, Longford.

The second application, relating to Devine Crescent, Edgeworthstown, is for minor ground investigation and reinstatement works adjacent to the base of the existing vent stack which is a protected structure reference 279 in the planning authority's record of protected structures.

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That permission is sought for the removal of an existing vent stack which is a protected structure reference 279 in the planning authority's record of protected structures and permission for the installation of replacement vent stack and associated pipework and ancillary site works.

The third application relates to the vent pipe at the N55 Granard Road, Edgeworthstown and is a retention application for the replacement of the underground pipework and reinstatement work adjacent to the base of the existing vent stack which is a protected structure reference 280 in the planning authority's record of protected structures.

Permission for the removal of an existing vent stack which is a protected structure reference 280 in the planning authority's record of protected structures. Permission for installation of a replacement vent stack and associated pipework and ancillary site works.

The named architect is Paul Cloonan, the Technical Director / Head of Water Services with Engineering firm Tobin.

The inventory of Irish architecture describes the features as “fluted pedestal with moulded detailing, cylindrical shaft over with banding at intervals and a saw-tooth profiled crown.

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It states: “This freestanding vent pipe is of social significance as a reminder of the development of public utilities in Ireland during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. This vent pipe now forms a subtle feature in the streetscape of Edgeworthstown and is of some design merit, having been conceived as an aesthetic as well as functional item of street furniture.”

When contacted by the Leader about the destruction of the Granard vent pipe the utility company said: “Uisce Éireann continues to deliver wastewater network improvement works across the country as part of the Resolving Odour and Noise

Programme. Traditionally, vent stacks were required as part of the sewer network.

“Some of these vent stacks are centuries old and prone to corrosion and collapse. Uisce Éireann, in partnership with our local authority, have completed a risk assessment on known high risk vent stacks across the country and have identified those that are at a high possibility of failure. Where replacement of said vent stacks are necessary, these works are completed as part of the Resolving Odour and Noise Programme.

“Under this programme the vent stacks at Granard Street and Church Street, Edgeworthstown were identified as high risk of failure.

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“Following recent discussions with Longford County Council and local Tidy Towns committee , the two vent stacks remain in place in Edgeworthstown. A formal review will be carried out with Longford County Council before any further works are proposed.

“Bases for new vent stacks have been built, however the site crews have been demobilised pending the review.”

The historic features are easily confused with lamp standards, while close scrutiny will reveal that there is no light on the top of these poles. The purpose of sewer vents was to release noxious fumes to the environment.

The historic feature was constructed by Ham, Baker & Co Ltd, a UK iron and brass founders.

Responding to a query from the leader the local authority said: “Longford County Council is aware of this issue and is working with Uisce Éireann to find a resolution.”

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Uisce Éireann said the proposed removal of the vents is based on a local authority assesment: “In 2021, all local authorities were asked to conduct an inventory of vent stacks in their areas.

“They were requested to assess the general condition of these stacks and provide photographs.

“Based on these visual inspections, as well as considerations of age and corrosion levels, several vent stacks were identified as needing replacement.

“There are over 1,600 vent stacks nationwide, with 272 categorised as high risk. Uisce Éireann is currently implementing a replacement program for these stacks.”

The Leader sent two queries to Longford County Council about the assessment of the vents, however the local authority hadn't responded at the time of going to press.

The planning application was filed on December 16, with planners indicating a decision is due by February 18, 2025.