Big step forward for new sewer system plans in Limerick town
PLANS for a new sewerage system in the Limerick town of Askeaton have taken a big step forward this week.
It comes as Uisce Éireann, formerly known as Irish Water, unveiled plans to progress the design and development of a new system for the area.
Up to now, raw sewage has been entering the River Deel, and going onto the Main Street and Askeaton’s footpaths.
It’s led to an embargo on any further development in the town.
But now, in communication released to Fianna Fail councillor Kevin Sheahan, the utility company has confirmed progress is being made.
“Uisce Éireann is progressing the design and development of a preferred waste-water treatment solution for Askeaton town.
The first phase of this work is under way and involves significant data gathering, estuary water surveying and modelling,” the note reads.
The water company acknowledged this part of the process is “time-consuming” and could not put a timeframe on when the sewer systems will be fully upgraded.
But the next step, it is hoped, will be from early next year, a final design will be brought forward.
Planning permission would then be sought.
“The rate at which a project progresses is dependent on the levels of complexity involved and gaining the required statutory consents. Updates on delivery timelines will be provided as the project progresses,” Uisce Éireann stated.
Councillor Sheahan, who has represented Askeaton for almost 40 years, said: “I am so overjoyed with this news, it’s beyond words how I feel.”
He said he recalls raising the issue of the sub-standard sewer system in Askeaton more than 20 years ago, and was told there was no money to rectify the situation.
“Irish Water recognised there was an issue, so they put an embargo on all new connections. So you couldn't build a home in Askeaton and look for the connection to the sewerage,” the veteran councillor explained.
This has, as a result, slowed the progress of Askeaton's development, Cllr Sheahan feels.
“It has stymied the expansion that should have taken place in Askeaton on one hand. And on the other hand, it has denied people the opportunity to be housed in Askeaton - natives of Askeaton,” he said.
“There’s a long list of people awaiting social houses in Askeaton, and there’s good employment here,” the councillor added.
He also praised his Fianna Fail colleague, the Minister of State and local TD Niall Collins for his intervention on the project.
“I am retiring next June and it is my dearest wish that before I go, this project would be put on the right rails as it were. Once we've commenced on the right track, I think we will get there,” Cllr Sheahan predicted.
Once the new system is in place, he believes Askeaton will thrive.
“I have people waiting to build homes in Askeaton. I have two separate private schemes ready to go if we have the sewer scheme in place. Developers are constantly in communication with me. And I believe when word gets out that it's finally going to happen, a couple more landowners will have a fresh interest,” the councillor concluded.