Galbally water outages ‘frustrating’

Water outages in the village of Galbally affected many in the area this week, with Uisce Éireann saying that the issues should be resolved by Wednesday evening.

On Friday, the water services company reported both a burst water main, and a ‘reservoir interruption’ in the area. A spokesperson issued a statement to TheAvondhu, saying that the supply had been impacted by ‘a number of separate bursts’ over recent days.

“This supply has been impacted by a number of separate bursts on the scheme over recent days which lowered the reservoir levels before they were repaired over the weekend.”

Chair of the Community Council, Tom Blackburn noted that the issue was ‘frustrating’ for locals and that communication with the public should be paramount .

“It is frustrating for people not to be notified if there’s going to be water outages, particularly for those who are at work all day and don’t know it when they come home, and especially if you have children. They should notify people by local media, and by social media.”

On Wednesday morning, Uisce Éireann leak detection crews were onsite to repair yet another burst, and low pressure and water outages were warned for customers in Ardmore and surrounding areas. The company appealed to customers in the area to conserve and reduce their water uses, including using a watering can instead of a hose.

“In addition to several bursts on the scheme, we are experiencing water shortages due to reduced water availability from our sources. Tankering to the reservoir has commenced in order to return and maintain a supply to all customers.”

In January, Uisce Éireann confirmed to TheAvondhu that late last year a number of trial wells had been drilled in order to augment the existing water sources in the area, following water outages last summer and autumn, and again before Christmas.

KILFINANE

Meanwhile, a burst water main in Kilfinane was due to be repaired also by Wednesday afternoon by Uisce Éireann.