Irish Water is 'not fit for purpose' - Council

The relationship between Tipperary Co Council and Irish Water has deteriorated so much that two Councillors suggested a no confidence motion in the public utility.

Councillors from across the political divide took aim at the state owned company, which was deemed “not fit for purpose” by two councillors.

Cllr Phyl Bugler requested that the Council write to the Minister for the Environment requesting that “he allocates the required funding immediately to Irish Water so that the upgrade of WWTP - Ballina can be commenced after planning permission has been granted. The WWTP -Ballina needs to be upgraded without delay due to ongoing problems of unacceptable effluent entering Lough Derg.”

Chief Executive Joe MacGrath said the common theme to all water issues was lack of investment in infrastructure. Mr MacGrath that while lack of investment is a key issue, the Chief Executive was keen to point out at the meeting that a positive working relationship existed between the Council and Irish Water with regular meetings being had and progress being made on many projects across the county. The Council is satisfied with the level of communication that exists and the level of participation at these regular meetings.

Director of Services Eamon Lonergan said two boil water notices had been lifted in the last few weeks, so “it’s going in the right direction.”

Full story in this week's Tipperary Star newspaper.