Ramsgrange in sewerage plant appeal

RAMSGRANGE’S 800 homes will be included in an application for funding for a new sewerage plant for coastal south west Wexford.

Senior executive engineer Dan McCartan said: ‘We are trying to get Ramsgrange village into the scheme. We have a secondary school and two national schools in the area, which could be developed. There is no real treatment (in Ramsgrange) at the moment. Sewage is going into percolation. I think we should be pushing this.’

Mr McCartan said residents in some estates in the locality have requested a connection to a sewerage plant. ‘If there are enough applications going in I think they (Irish Water) will be more positive towards this. It’s very important to get it.’

Cathaoirleach Cllr Willie Fitzharris said the lack of adequate sewerage facilities in the area affects social housing residents, along with private home owners.

‘I am sure the plant can facilitate the extra houses.’

Cllr Martin Murphy said he was advised by council officials a few years ago when he raised the issue that it would be better to wait for funding to be approved for the plant for Duncannon, Ballyhack and Arthurstown, and then add in Ramsgrange. Cllr Murphy said there are 800 people in the village who need access to the plant.

Mr McCartan disagreed, saying: ‘In my opinion now is the time to get in as they are doing it and designing it. I would say that a massive change would be needed (to include Ramsgrange). The council have been talking to Irish Water and I don’t think there has been a negative response.’

Cllr Murphy backed Mr McCartan’s proposal, while Cllr THE DEVELOPMENT of a multi-tiered medieval park area on the derelict High Hill in New Ross is nearer completion after it was revealed that the contract for the purchase of the site is imminent.

New Ross Municipal District had hoped to close the deal to purchase it in 2016, but this was delayed. Larry O’Brien said: ‘ The plant is going to be one mile from the village. I would be absolutely ridiculous now for us not to have it included.’

He said sewage is the biggest problem in the district.

‘People are wondering why we can’t build houses. It’s because we don’t have the infrastructure. It’s just a pity Campile wasn’t included in the scheme as well.’

Cllr John Fleming said the plant, due to be built by 2021

District manager Sinead Casey, answering a question about the site raised by Cllr Anthony Connick, said: ‘ The contracts are drawn up. The closure of the sale is imminent and we are going to tender for a design brief so we will have news for you next month.’

The medieval park will link the north end of the town with St Mary’s Church. some 20 years after it was first mooted, will give business a chance to develop in the area.

Cllr Willie Fitzharris said a joint motion should be submitted to Wexford County Council to progress the matter. Cllr Anthony Connick seconded Cllr Murphy’s proposal.

District director Eamonn Hore said: ‘Irish Water are not closed to the idea.’

He said an application, including Ramsgrange, must be submitted. THE AMOUNT of rent social house residents pay is due to rise marginally in the New Year.

Housing officer Martina O’Donohoe said all social housing residents in the district have been asked to submit their income details. Ms O’Donohoe said: ‘For all of 2017 their rent was assessed on their 2016 social welfare payment. The slight increase (in social welfare) will have a knock on effect. People can expect an increase in their rent. It won’t be huge by any means. It will be minimal.’