Louth TD set to discuss water supply issues with Uisce Eireann CEO
Local Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne has secured a commitment to meet from the CEO of Uisce Eireann after raising the water supply issues on the north side of Drogheda with him at the Public Accounts Committee.
Sinn Féin TD for Louth Joanna Byrne is set to discuss water issues in north Drogheda with the Uisce Eireann CEO.
This comes after she raised the water supply issues on the north side of Drogheda with him at the Public Accounts Committee.
Deputy Byrne said: “During a tour of the Staleen water treatment plant in August 2018, I asked the representatives whether the plant would be able to deliver increased volumes of treated water to Drogheda and south Louth.
“I was told repeatedly by Irish Water representatives at that meeting that it would not be able to deliver the volumes of treated water required to meet Drogheda's projected growth.
“As a Councillor I continually raised this issue and I am disappointed to see my well-publicised fears regarding the water supply issues have now come true.
“Last November, after a new housing development was connected to the network up the road, residents in parts of Termon Abbey, Drogheda who have been living in their houses for almost 30 years, woke up one morning, turned their taps and only a trickle of water flowed out. Washing machines, dishwashers and electric showers got damaged.
“For almost 30 years they didn’t have a water supply problem, and since that day Limetree Avenue, especially, but in several areas throughout the north side of Drogheda, have had water pressure problems. Uisce Eireann have denied there is supply issues in emails to me.
“But they have acknowledged to some residents that they’ve identified problems linked to the configuration of water network in North Drogheda. The water must travel through an extensive network of pipes serving business and houses before reaching some residential areas, including Termon Abbey and surrounding areas.
“There are no immediate engineering works available that can fix the problem. They further state that a proposed watermain extension and a proposed watermain crossing beneath the Boyne may fix the issues, that are only in development stage. There’s no timeline for the fix! Nothing in proper planning to fix it. This is completely unacceptable to me.
“It appears that they have allowed too many new developments to be built without flagging there was a problem with the water infrastructure to Louth County Council.”
Finishing Deputy Byrne said: “There are three issues that I will be bringing to the meeting with Uisce Eireann.
“First is to examine the feasibility of reopening Rose Hall water treatment plant to supply Droghedas north side, I am seeking cast iron assurances that there is enough water supply capacity to supply the future growth of Drogheda and a timeline for a resolution to the water supply issues in Termon Abbey and surrounding areas.
“I will not drop this issue until all water supply problems are resolved.”