Plans to ‘rationalise’ Gortnaskehy water with Ballyheaphy scheme

Irish Water has stated that it ‘has plans’ to rationalise the water supply at Gortnaskehy, Araglin, by linking it to the Ballyheaphy scheme.

News of this follows a motion tabled at Monday’s meeting of the Northern Divisional Committee after residents struggled again this summer as water supplies dried up during the hot weather.

Cllr Frank O’Flynn, who tabled the motion, called upon Cork County Council and Irish Water to upgrade the water supply at Gortnaskehy to meet the needs of local residents and the community. Noting that a tanker of water had been brought to Araglin to provide locals with water, the Glanworth councillor however said that this is not a ‘long term solution’.

“This source is there 60 years at this stage. There is also a source very near it, which never runs dry, and I’m asking that Cork County Council and Irish Water would maybe look at tapping into that source also,” Cllr O’Flynn said.

He added that in 2019, some €15,000 had been allocated to upgrading the Gortnaskehy water supply, however, claimed these funds are yet unspent.

“We were delighted we got the €15,000 so now I’m asking that Irish Water would upgrade the facility to meet the present and future needs and I’m calling on Cork County Council to put the pressure on,” Cllr O’Flynn added.

A BASIC RIGHT

Local councillors widely supported the motion, as Cllr Noel McCarthy stated that residents are now ‘frustrated’ with the lack of action.

“It’s totally unfair to these residents to be left in limbo. What the residents want now is action. What they really need is a timeframe as to when this money is going to be spent so they won’t have this problem anymore,” he said.

Cllr Kay Dawson also spoke on the need for ‘solutions’ to the long-standing supply issues in Gortnaskehy.

“We need action on the ground now, it’s gone on too long and it needs the be rectified. It’s a basic right to have water in your tap,” Cllr Dawson said.

Responding to the motion, County Engineer Kevin Morey said that the public water supply at Gortnaskehy had a spring source which is vulnerable to drought impacts.

Mr Morey acknowledged that during the recent dry spell, there were periods where the water supply was interrupted as the spring was depleted and it was necessary to supply tankered water.

“Irish Water has plans to rationalise the water supply in this area by linking this scheme to Ballyheaphy. I will ask Irish Water for an update on this plan conveying the concerns of elected members and the community,” Mr Morey said.