COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (1)

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

QUESTION NO.11

QUESTION: Councillor J. Neville

" To ask the Manager to arrange for contact to be made with the residents of details supplied * and will the Manager please note, that this issue was raised via a written question in November, 2007 and the reply back gave incorrect information in relation to the position of broadstrap, which is at least six feet away from the wall mentioned in the November, 2007 reply. Please note that an identical reply was provided via a letter to residents in November, 2005. Will the Manager please arrange for all the residents on this connection to be notified of their repsonsibility in relation to this on-going problem and will a site visit  with the residents of  details supplied above take place to clarify the issues raised above?."

*(34 - 38 Watermeadow Park)

REPLY:

There are two problems with the drain at the location mentioned in the Question which are unrelated to each other.

The first problem is at the broadstrap as previously identified by the Inspector who has visited the area on a number of occasions in regard to this problem.The location of the broadstrap is in the foundation of the original garage, which has been converted into a two storey living space.  There was no change to the dimension or footprint of the building itself.  The location of this broadstrap makes it extremely difficult to access.  There is also a difficulty in carrying out drain clearances as access to the drain must be made through the house itself and this entails bringing a hose which contains foul residue through living areas.  The only other alternative is to take the hose over the roof and this is considered unsafe from a health and safety at work point of view.

The other problem lies between two houses (36 & 38), one of which has had a conservatory built over it and the other has a kitchen extension.  The Inspector and Area Engineer are of the opinion that there is a “belly” in the pipe at this location which requires remedial works. A previous request to carry out a camera survey at this location was refused by the resident at No 38.

The Area Engineer has reported that it would be advisable for the residents to engage the services of a competent private contractor who would be in a position to give the attention, expertise and resources required to resolve the problems on this private drain.

As requested contact has again been made with the residents concerned who have been informed of their responsibilities in the matter.