Councillors seek update on estate ‘left in darkness’
A councillor has said it is a ‘public disgrace’ residents of a Knock estate has been ‘left in darkness’ with public lighting yet to be turned on in the area writes Paul O'Malley.
Cllr Richard Finn raised a notice of motion at last week’s meeting of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District calling for an update in relation to Glencarra Estate, Knock, where he said public lighting has not been turned on. Cllr Finn also sought a timeline on when the various issues residents have been facing will be sorted out and asked if Mayo County Council had put pressure on the developers in relation to these issues.
In response, area engineer Conrad Harley said Glencarra is a private housing estate and the Council have sought a detailed report on the entire development from the Estates Take Over section who liaise with the developer and this report is currently being prepared.
Mr Harley added the street lighting within the estate was assessed and there is a considerable cost required to bring it up to standard and funding options are currently being identified by the Council.
Cllr Finn said it was a 'public disgrace' there was no lighting in the estate.
“In this day and age, to have people left without lighting is a disgrace. It is a public disgrace,” he said.
He added people living in housing estates that have not been taken in charge should not have to pay Local Property Tax (LPT) if they are getting nothing in return.
“It is totally wrong for people to pay LPT if their estate has not been taken in charge. What are they getting in return? People should not pay when the service is not there," he said.
Cllr Paul Lawless said he supported the motion because this has been an ongoing issue.
“People spent huge money on these houses. There are trip hazards all over that estate and I would like to be able to give residents an update on a timeline,” he said.
Cllr Alma Gallagher said residents in Glencarra feel ‘forgotten about'.
“It is pure frustration for residents. There are safety issues for their kids and they feel forgotten about.”
