€2m spent but Mayo water scheme is still not connected

A Mayo councillor has requested that Uisce Éireann urgently convene a meeting with elected representatives over a group water scheme that cost €2 million but is yet to be connected to the main public water supply.

Cllr Alma Gallagher told last week's meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District that Uisce Eireann, formerly Irish Water, should report to councillors on the development and status of various group water schemes in the district.

The Ballyhaunis councillor said there should be a particular focus on the Johnstown Levalleyroe scheme, which has yet to be connected to the main public water supply despite a €1.3 million investment to upgrade the network and an additional €517,000 of a connection fee paid by Mayo County Council in December 2024.

“It is unacceptable after a spend of almost €2 million that there are still residents who have no consumable water,” she said. "[Householders on] this group water scheme [are] being left in limbo. They have brown water coming through their taps.”

Kiltimagh-based Cllr Adrian Forkan supported the notice of motion and said his own area had similar problems in the past.

“We had a similar situation in an area in Kiltimagh. Irish Water can be a shambles but thankfully we got across the line with the connection,” he said.

South Mayo Independent Cllr Patsy O’Brien also spoke in support of the motion.

“When I was canvassing for the General Election, that came up as an issue in that area. The group water schemes in general are a hallmark of the voluntary sector and we should do what we can to support them. Irish Water have let them down,” he said.

It was agreed that the council write to Uisce Éireann seeking an urgent meeting about the scheme in question.