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Services Original Planning Permission Water The meadow in front of the reception is a natural aquifer formed from post glacial till and silts, the level of which is determined by the varying water table of the adjoining river. The original well system built in 1991 involved 15 well points linked in series. This however was not satisfactory as chemical corrosion affected the seals which in turn destroyed pump motors. This was replaced in 1998 by a single 30ft well constructed from 7 connected concrete tubes from which water is pumped directly to the underground chamber in the pump house. The well has been trouble free since. Water pumped into the chamber is simultaneously treated with chlorine by dosing pump which has mechanical and electronic controls to adjust dosage. Electronic sensors control levels in the chamber. Water is pumped from the chamber through the white water filter system up the mountain to a storage reservoir and thence by gravity to the piped system serving the village. Access to the reservoir is by road from house 41. Water to each house is controlled by an external stop cock. Water testing is carried out on site to ensure that chlorine levels are maintained within recommended limits. The Western Health Board also test water quality on a quarterly basis. Pumps are maintained, serviced and replaced where necessary by EPS Pumps, Ballyhaunis. The White-water System was supplied by R.S. White, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, who provide a maintenance arrangement. Drainage Surface water from the mountain is carried to a main surface drain which runs above the housing line into the river beside house 28. A similar drain enters a culvert behind the cottage for drainage to the river. The pitch and Putt area features a main surface drain which runs diagonally from house 40 to the river. Engineering maps show the layout of the surface drains which carry run off from all hard surfaces, houses, roads etc. to the river. Maintenance involves ensuring all gullies and gutters are kept free of leaves and debris. Sewage System and Treatment P.J. Tobin Engineers of Galway were the original site engineers and. Eamon Waldron now Managing Director of thsi company still maintains contact with Clifden Glen. Engineering plans also show the layout of the foul water drainage system which terminates in the holding septic tanks at the entrance to the treatment works. The treatment system is a duel system and in practice one side operates while the other is on standby. Primary septic holding tanks retain solids while allowing water flow into the secondary area where it is oxygenated through a series of rotating drums into a final holding chamber from where it is then pumped through outlet pipes to connect with the main Clifden sewage system. The plant was designed and installed by Butler Engineering, Longford who provide spares and maintenance. Pumps are provides and maintained by E.P.S. pumps. Regular inspection and first line maintenance is carried out by Paudge Folan, Letterfrack and local fitting services by Bernard Whelan, Clifden. 3 phase electrical services are provided by James Kane, Letterfrack. Galway Co. Co. test outflows on a quarterly basis for which an annual fee is payable in accordance with the discharge licence granted in 1991. De-sludging of solids is usually done on an annual basis by contractor Michael Walsh. Pressure hosing of pipes is handles by M.D.S. Mayo. First line maintenance involves checking wear and lubrication of the mechanisms, chains, bearings driving rotors and inspection of the levels in tanks. Roads Roads in general are in goodcondition. However, on a section between the reception and the bridge and the lower end of the cottages approach potholes appear each winter. These are filled each pre-season with cold chon and whacker compacted. Public Lighting Public lighting throughout is controlled by sensor located in the Pump House which automatically switches. Play Area / Tennis Courts / Mini Golf Course A small play area is located behind houses 35 - 39 and is fully covered on the main insurance policy as are the 3 tennis courts and mini golf. This area is due for significant improvement in 2005. Landscaping There is a substantial requirement for grass cutting which usually commences in mid-March and extends to the end of October. In season the landscaping areas call for 1.5 operatives full time; this includes tractor mowing, ride-on for the gardens, strimming of banks, weeding, attending beds and shrubberies, collecting litter, applying weed killer to paths and house boundaries. Other responsibilities include fencing and painting which can be done
pre-season. Mowers available include; 'Lawn Boss' Ride-on, Caroni Tractor mower, hand mowers and strimmers. The ancient Oaks need to be examined professionally on an annual pre-season basis for signs of decay and lopped where required. Aside for the boundary the rest of the site is fenced; these fences are also the responsibility of the adjoining farmers who are co-operative. Insurance The insurance policy is with Hibernian Insurance. Clifden Glen has a 12 year no claim record. The policy covers all risks to houses and contents, public liability, employers' liability and expires 3rd April 2005. A separate policy exists for the Bar/Restaurant which also expires in April 2005. Buildings Transport Vehicles on Site - 1993 Toyota Liteace
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