Willowbrook residents praise council’s actions

Residents of an unfinished ghost estate have praised the Louth County Council for assisting to make their safer.

The residents of Willowbrook estate in Dromiskin were delighted to see council workers starting work in the estate. Louth County Council recently secured a court order against the developer to make improvements to the estate.

Sping Homes Developments were fined for failing to comply with a council order to make the site safe.

The Dundalk Democrat visited the estate recently. As our picture shows, two-metre-deep holes, that were built for foundations, are now filled with water.

The sewage system in the estate is currently operating from a system used in the original show house.

There are no street lights in the estate at present, houses have been robbed and illegal dumping takes place regularly.

Stephen Halpenny and Andrew Clarke spent Christmas Day last year rodding the sewage system in the estate.

“I am a plumber by trade,” Andrew told the Democrat, “The sewage system got blocked and myself and Stephen spent Christmas morning trying to fix the problem.”

Stephen highlighted that the smell of the sewage is unbearable.

He said: “It’s not very pleasant. It’s unacceptable and we thank the Louth County Council for assisting us regarding the estate’s problems.

“A particular thanks to the Council’s Chief planning technician, Paddy Birch, who has been very supportive.

“It’s expected that the works will be completed before Christmas and we look forward to living in an estate that is a lot safer.”

The council brought a case before Judge Flann Brennan who imposed a fine of €1260 for failing to comply with a council notice in addition to an order to pay €750 costs.