North Sligo reservoir?
SINN Féin Councillor Thomas Healy has suggested upgrading the North Sligo Public Water Supply or building a new reservoir for the area to avoid future droughts.
It’s supplied by the Gortnaleck and Lyle streams and over 4,500 people depend on it.
Cllr Healy told the meeting that north Sligo was particularly vulnerable to drought due to the nature of the water supply there.
“Over a nine day period the water supply at Ballintrillick went from full availability to drought. This water supply serves households in Carney, Maugherow, Grange, Cliffoney, Mullaghmore and surrounding town lands,” he said.
“This supply was especially vulnerable to drought as it is directly stream fed. I inspected the site and found water down to a trickle with only the holding tanks left full. I want to pay tribute to all the staff from Irish water and the County Council who did Trojan work during this crisis, especially in north Sligo. The three streams in the area, Gortnaleck, Lyle and Ardnaglass were maximised with hoarding and extra piping.”
“I think we need to have a serious look at it,” he said at the meeting.
“Water restrictions have been lifted, however in the face of climate change we need to prepare for further droughts in the future. We were nearly at the point of taps drying up and water tankers being utilised.
“Do we need more piping or a purpose made reservoir for the area? We need to learn a lesson from last summer and not be caught short again,” he said.