Two faulty fire hydrants to be replaced in county Tipperary village

Uisce Éireann is to replace two faulty fire hydrants located closest to Clogheen’s Main Street, the utility has confirmed to a local councillor.

Cllr Marie Murphy highlighted the problem at a public representatives’ consultation meeting with Uisce Éireann on September 20 and received confirmation last Thursday that the hydrants are going to be replaced as soon as possible.

The Fine Gael councillor outlined that the issue with the hydrants came to light on July 28 when there was a serious fire at a business premises in Clogheen.

When fire fighters tried to access the two hydrants, which are closest to Clogheen’s Main Street businesses, they found they were not working.

She said thankfully a water tanker was among the fire brigade appliances attending the blaze and the fire service personnel from Cahir and Clonmel did a brilliant job in putting the fire under control.

The incident prompted Cllr Murphy to submit a motion to Tipperary County Council’s September meeting calling for the checking of all fire hydrants in the county to ensure they are fit for purpose and that an annual maintenance programme be conducted for fire hydrants.

Cllr Michael Fitzgerald tabled the motion on Cllr Murphy’s behalf at the council meeting as she was unable to attend the meeting. It was seconded by Council Chairman Cllr Ger Darcy.

In its written response, the Council informed councillors that rolling inspections of fire hydrants are undertaken by fire fighters on an ongoing basis throughout the county and where faults are identified they are notified to Uisce Éireann for review and maintenance

“lnspections are undertaken during drill nights and during the filling of appliances post-incident when crews are encouraged to fill from different hydrants on their return to the station.”

The Council added that recent Workers Relations Commission proposals included a significant increase in community fire safety activity.

“Hydrant inspections will be further targeted under this programme,” the Council added.

Clonmel Cllr Pat English requested the motion be sent to Uisce Éireann as the responsibility for repairing faults rested with the utility. But he didn’t have faith in Uisce Éireann maintaining the county’s hydrants.

“I wouldn't totally rely on them to do it to be honest with you,” he told the meeting.