Residents at end of tether over scheme

Residents at end of tether over scheme

26 September 2012

CONCERN has been expressed about the impact work on a major upgrade of sewers in the Meadowlands area in Downpatrick is having on the road infrastructure and neighbouring homes.

Part of the main road leading to the Drumcloon Walk area where contractors have set up a base has collapsed and residents say they can’t open windows and doors as dust and dirt is engulfing their homes.

Councillor Éamonn Mac Con Midhe, who has been contacted by a number of Meadowlands residents, said no one is questioning the need to upgrade the sewerage infrastructure at this part of the town.

But he said concerns remain about the damage to the road and the dust and dirt blowing into homes.

“In addition to the contractors setting up their base at Drumcloon Walk they have also constructed a huge underground holding tank to ease pressure on the town’s sewage treatment plant and the construction of this created a lot of dust,” said Councillor Mac Con Midhe.

“In some cases, residents are fighting a losing battle to keep dirt out of their homes and it’s an issue they want NI Water to address.”

A Meadowlands resident who contacted the Recorder also made it clear she has no issue with the upgrade of the sewerage infrastructure at this part of the town. But she admits she’s at her wits’ end trying to keep her home clean.

“The dust gathers on the inside of the windows no matter how many times I clean them. The dust is settling on clothes hanging on the washing line and there is fine grit everywhere. It’s got to the stage where I can’t open the windows,” explained the resident who did not wish to be named.

“When there is any kind of breeze dirt and dust blows towards my home which is a major inconvenience. I have raised my concerns with the contractors carrying out the work but the problems with dirt and dust have not been resolved.”

A spokeswoman for NI Water confirmed there has has been what she described as some “localised damage of the road” at Drumcloon Walk during the construction of the new pumping station. She said this was as a result of extremely poor ground in the area.

“The contractor on site has been liaising with Roads Service on this matter and will reinstate any damaged areas upon completion of construction and as required for safety reasons,” she said.

The spokeswoman added: “Major construction activities by their nature can generate dust. However, every effort is being made to minimise this. If any resident has specific issues in this regard, NI Water would encourage them to contact the site foreman who will take their concerns on board and try to resolve the issue.”