ZEBRA mussels have caused £2,000 worth of damage to two water features in Enniskillen.
The fountains at Queen Elizabeth Road and Erneside have been out of action for several months due to the invasive species. The zebra mussels have blocked the grills for the water intake, which has then caused the motors to overheat and burn out. A spokesman for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council explained that the Erneside fountain has been working “intermittently”.
He said: “A new motor is currently being procured for the fountain at the Queen Elizabeth Road. The motor of the fountain at Erneside had been repaired by the Council’s in house team but another fault has subsequently appeared. This is being investigated at present.” Repairs to the fountain at Erneside have cost approximately £150 and the Council expects that the cost of a new motor for the fountain at the Queen Elizabeth Road will cost approximately £1,850.
The spokesman said: “It is hoped that the fountain on the Queen Elizabeth Road will be operational in approximately four weeks while the fountain at Erneside is being worked on at present.” The Queen Elizabeth Road fountain cost £18,240.00 and was installed in 2007, while the fountain at Erneside cost £19,597.50 and was installed in 2012.
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