Water services up against it of late
AT the November meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District councillors complimented the hard work of the water services department for quick responses to leaks and bursts and, particularly of late, water outages.
Cllr Ó’Súilleabháin complimented the flow of information and representation in estates, which he said was fantastic. During the discussion, it was highlighted that construction has now begun on the €17 million Gorey Regional Water Supply Scheme for the new water treatment plant and reservoir at Ballyminaun Hill.
‘It’s an investment in water that will give us a 21st century structure for the town,’ said Cllr Donohoe.
Cllr Byrne said that although he welcomed the investment, it won’t be in use for months down the line.
‘We will have a difficult winter ahead given the amount of bursts already this year,’ he said.
Cllr Devereux said the issue of bursts has been going on for years.
‘We all want top-quality infrastructure, but it costs billions. If we want top-quality water and waste water, we have to pay for it,’ he said.
Cllr Ó’Súilleabháin said that money would have been better spent investing in local authorities, letting them have control of the water system rather than Irish Water.
‘Whether money be better spent or not is an ideological argument. If people want their water and sewage provided by the Council service, give them the money for it,’ said Cllr Devereux.
Cllr Byrne said he had invited a representative from Irish Water to a Municipal District meeting and this is being looked in to now.
Cllr Donhoe said that he held understanding for Irish Water, in that if they go to one meeting in Gorey, they’ll have to go to each district.