This article is from page 16 of the 2006-07-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
THE population of Inagh looks set to double in the next ten years, with a €1million sewerage system upgrade opening the door for the construction of some 150 new houses.
The funding, which was announced last week by Environment Minister Dick Roche, will see his department foot the bill for 40 per cent of the cost of upgrading the existing sewage system.
A number of private and commercial developments have been held up in the area in the last number of years, because of the lack of capacity in the current system.
“It is a fantastic development,” said the newly elected Mayor of Clare, Inagh Councilor, Flan Garvey (FF).
“Houses were being held up in places that have been zoned. €945,000 is a lot of money for a small place like Inagh.
“It is a perfect place for people to come and live because of its proximity to Ennis as well as places like Ennistymon and Lahinch.”
The 2002 census listed the population of the Inagh/Ballyea area at just 617 people, but this new development could see that figure rise dramatically in a relatively short space of time.
“There will be a big increase very quickly as people have been waiting to build for some time,” continued Mr Garvey. “People are ready to go.”
The upgrading works will increase the capacity of the existing wastewater treatment plant in the village and provide sewers to service new residential development. It’s envisaged the scheme will open up 35 acres of land for the development of 146 new houses.
The Minister said that the scheme was very important for the area, as it would provide for Inagh’s development needs for the foreseeable future.
“In particular, by opening up 35 acres of land for 146 new houses, it will allow home ownership in their own locality to become much more accessible and affordable to the local community,” said Minister Roche.
“We will be asking Clare County Council to complete the detailed design work as soon as possible.”
The sewage system currently in operation in Inagh was put in place in 1995 and has been operating at maximum capacity for the last two years.