A lack of communication from An Bord Pleanála (ABP) in respect of plans for a breakwater that would offer vessels shelter in Baltimore during stormy conditions has been described as a ‘joke.'
A LACK of communication from An Bord Pleanála (ABP) in respect of plans for a breakwater that would offer vessels shelter in Baltimore during stormy conditions has been described as a ‘joke.’
The issue was discussed as part of the engineering team’s report at a recent meeting of the County Council’s Western Committee.
Kevin Costelloe, a senior engineer dealing with coastal management and flood projects, said the Council had received no further communication from the ABP, and he advised the councillors that the project is ‘sizeable’ and in need of national funding.
Cllr Joe Carroll (FF) described the delay as a joke. ‘A planning application shouldn’t take the bones of three years – this has got to be highlighted,’ he said.
Meanwhile, Tom Comerford, a senior engineer in the water services capital projects office at Cork County Council, confirmed that the Belgooly watermain extension contract is complete and that planning permission is now in place for an enlarged replacement reservoir in Riverstick.
He said the Irish Water strategy is to supply Belgooly from the Riverstick reservoir, via a new mains and pumping station, after first replacing the existing reservoir, which was found to be in very poor structural state.
He said a number of elements are currently being finalised, relating to property acquisition from landowners.
‘It’s taking longer than anticipated to complete. However, the works tender was issued and returned to Irish Water in August 2017 and the tenders are now under assessment by Irish Water, and it’s expected the works will be completed before the end of 2018.’
