Work is well underway at the site of the new Devenish College RMG06
THE CHAIRMAN of the board of governors at Devenish College Alex Baird has stated work on a new build for the school is on track despite environmental concerns raised about work on the site.
Albert Keys from the Erne Rivers Trust said the organisation are “concerned greatly” with the culverting of 350 metres of the Tamlaght River in the development and building at the new school to replace Devenish College on the Tempo Road, Enniskillen.
Mr Keys explained further: “This action is not beneficial for the community or school and is a short sighted view that is removing more and more of the natural environment from our community.
In essence the culverting is basically removing this fertile stretch of river from our landscape.”
The Erne Rivers Trust state that the culverting of this stretch of river ignores directives and policies within government and council policy. There are also further fears expressed over pollution in the river, given the fact the Tamlaght River was a salmon breeding river.
The Erne Rivers Trust cite Northern Ireland Environment Agency policy which states that ‘no watercourse should be culverted unless there is an overriding need to do so’. In this policy fears are expressed over an increased chance of flooding due to blockages and a significant maintenance obligation which far exceeds the typical maintenance requirements of an open watercourse.
Mr Keys suggests alternatives to culverting this stretch of river including the construction of a bridge,which he feels would have a lower impact on the watercourse hydraulics and ecology.
Due to the work already on the site the Trust state that a “lack of correct controls” has resulted in
degradation of the river much further along its course, causing a build-up of silt.
In response to the concerns raised by the Erne Rivers Trust Mr Baird said: “The work to culvert the stream is ongoing and it is the result of planning permission being approved after consultation with appropriate authorities.”
An Education Authority spokesman added: “The former Western Education and Library Board, now the Education Authority, received Planning Permission for the culverting of the stream on the Tempo Road on the site for the new Devenish College.
“The Education Authority is undertaking the works in accordance with the Planning Permission and in line with all statutory regulations.”
It is anticipated the design of the new Devenish college will go to planning in summer 2016, with the current completion date for the new school set at March 2019.
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