COMHAIRLE CHONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF TERENURE-RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE 2

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

QUESTION No. 9

QUESTION: Councillor M. Árdagh

"To ask the Manager to clarify the situation in relation to the blocked drain from 185 to 195 Templeville Road which has at each occurance in the past  been cleared by the Council and which the Council now state is the responsibility of the residents - but on the latest occasion in July  2006 it was cleared by the Council as it was considered an environmental health issue.  The residents understand that the blockage occurs due to a fault in the initial construction of the drain, which would have been inspected by the Council at the time.  Could the Manager advise the residents how this problem can be put right once and for all and to advise and consult with the residents to resolve the problem?"

REPLY:

The responsibility for repair and maintenance of private combined drains rests with the householders connected to it as set out in the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts 1878-1964.  

  

The Council may have, at its discretion, on occasions in the past cleared drains free of charge but this has not been the position for several years now as private drains are not in charge or in the ownership of the Council.  It is a matter for the householder to clear this type of drain.  There are many service providers in this area one of which is the Council.  

 Following an inspection by the Drainage Inspector on the recent blockage it was established that the drain had blocked at the point where the broadstrap is situated.  

 The Council will carry out the necessary remedial works if each householder will meet the cost.  The work involves the removal of the broadstrap and replacement with a new section of pipe:  This work may minimise the potential for the drain to block in future, although according to the Council’s records the blocking of this particular drain has not been a regular occurrence.  The cost should be divided equally between the householders who are connected to this private combined drain.  The Council will arrange to carry out the works when the cost has been met by the householders concerned.