RESIDENTS of Munster’s largest housing estate will no longer be ‘left in limbo’ after Clare County Council assumed responsibility for the unfinished development on the outskirts of Limerick city. Westbury estate, which comprises of 900 properties, has been left largely incomplete after McInerney Homes Ltd and Chieftain Construction Ltd went into liquidation some years ago. The Council will take on responsibility for water services, including all pumping stations, with effect from next week.
The news represents a massive relief for residents who have been battling to get works done on the estate for many years.
Clare county councillors and Westbury residents Pascal Fitzgerald and Cathal Crowe have welcomed the announcement.
Cllr. Fitzgerald said that people had spent big money for homes in Westbury and were left in limbo over who was responsible for the maintenance of the estate. “A lot of work is required to bring the estate up the scratch but this is a positive start”, he added.
Cllr Crowe said: “For years, residents could not get issues resolved because there were so many stakeholders involved including developers, the liquidator and insurance companies. At least now they have a definite point of contact”.
The agreement with Clare County Council follows extensive negotiations with bondholders who will pay €715,000 to the local authority to remedy defective infrastructure, particularly the waste water treatment system.
The Council confirmed that a portion of unfinished development at Bruachan and Grianan is not subject to the taking in charge process as it relates to a separate receivership.
