State body declared 'not fit for purpose' by councillor

A local councillor has said Uisce Eireann, formerly known as Irish Water, is ‘not fit for purpose’ as they do not serve the people of Ireland.

Cllr Martin McLoughlin told last week’s meeting of the Economic Development SPC he knows of a young couple who are seeking planning permission but cannot connect to a public water supply as the connection is 205 metres away from their site.

He said Uisce Eireann have told them they have the option of digging a well, however, this water may not be of sufficient quality.

“They can spend €8,000 and drill a well but they have a 50-50 chance of the water being adequate,” he said.

Director of Services Katherine McConnell told Cllr McLoughlin this issue was outside the Council's remit but advised a connection to a supply 205m away would cost well in excess of €8,000.

Cllr McLoughlin said these situations were far more manageable when the local authority was in charge of water services.

“This couldn’t happen in the Council’s time. I won’t sit here and let this happen to someone starting off in life, I’ll go to Dáil Eireann if I have to.”

“Irish Water is not fit for purpose, they’re not serving the people.”

Farming representative on the SPC Martin Gilvarry said there is annoyance among farmers towards Irish Water.

“Between problems with incorrect water metre readings to leakages, it is time we got Irish Water in to question what is happening. No one knows and no one can explain,” he said.

“At least the Council knew what they were doing.”