37 estates waiting to be taken in charge

Thirty seven housing estates are waiting to be taken in charge in Westmeath, 20 in the Mullingar, Kinnegad District, but some are problematic including St Etchen’s in Kinnegad and Killucan Manor Lawn.

Local councillor, Denis Leonard, claims that the residents of St Etchen’s, Kinnegad, are being left on an island.

“We gave planning permission for this,” he complained at the December meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad.

Eugene Dunne, who recently became the council’s taking in charge officer, said he would get his “teeth into” this problem.

He said funding is needed for outstanding works and the estate is isolated from the main road – a landownership issue exists and that has to be sorted.

In reply to Cllr John Shaw, Mr Dunne said that talks had taken place with the residents of Killucan Manor Lawn and he is confident that there is a plan in place for it, but land has to be compulsorily purchased first.

Cllr Bill Collentine and Cllr Mick Dollard welcomed news that Central Park in Mullingar will be taken in charge next year as will The Cedars, Lakepoint.

Trees need pruning at Belvedere Hills, Mullingar, according to Cllr Ken Glynn, who asked that Mr Dunne investigate that to ensure the residents do not face another sunless summer.

In reply to Cllr Andrew Duncan, Mr Dunne said that once an estate is finished, the council carry out an inspection to make sure everything is done to their satisfaction before taking it in charge.

The taking in charge of Cluain Milain, Clonmellon, which has 14 units, Cluain Mullan, Castlepollard, 30 units, and Radharc na Pairce, Rathwire, four units, is about to begin. In all, 16 estates are close to being taken in charge.