Alleged sewage issues in Kildare estate lambasted

Alleged sewage system issues in one estate of Newbridge have been called out by a resident who has lived there for over 40 years.

Joe Burke said he decided to contact the Leinster Leader about the alleged presence of a poor sewage system in Dara Park, in which he claimed that there has "always been issues" relating to sewage in the area, which he said was built on bog land.

He alleged that the sewage system was "badly constructed" and "not fit for purpose".

Mr Burke also alleged that Uisce Éireann (UE) / Irish Water was previously tasked by Kildare County Council (KCC) to carry out upgrade works for both the Páirc Mhuire and Dara Park regions in Newbridge.

'FORGOTTEN'

However, the works never transpired for Dara Park, and as a result, Mr Burke feels that the estate has been "forgotten" by UE.

Mr Burke also told the Leader that he has been in communication with the Mayor of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer, as well as former Sinn Féin (and later Independent) TD for Kildare South, Patricia Ryan, about the issue.

According to Mr Burke, Ms Ryan sent emails and photographs detailing the sewage issues at Dara Park to UE (as well as KCC), but UE never responded to her emails.

When contacted by the Leader, Ms Ryan corroborated this claim from Mr Burke. However, she stressed that she no longer had access to these emails now that she is no longer a member of KCC.

Mr Burke further claimed that this lack of correspondence from UE shows an alleged "lack of accountability" from the body.

RESPONSES

When asked for comment by the Leinster Leader regarding Mr Burke’s allegations, a spokesperson for KCC replied: "The sewage issues in Dara Park, Newbridge, are a matter for Uisce Eireann, who has sole responsibility for the cleaning and maintenance of the public sewer network."

UE was also asked for comment by the Leader regarding Mr Burke’s claims, but the organisation did not respond in time for comment.

Mayor O’Dwyer also told the Leader when she was asked for comment that there has also been "a long standing issue with odour within the area".

She added: "There has been some difficulty with trying to get an answer to find a resolution."

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