'Nearly every week we get a water outage' Longford councillors hit out at Uisce Éireann

There was strong support from local representatives for a motion for Longford County Council to seek a meeting with senior management of Uisce Éireann to 'resolve the serious issue' of the water main upgrade from Carrickboy to Ballymahon.

The motion was submitted by Fine Gael Councillor Paul Ross who spoke about his lack of confidence in the water utility despite their recent confirmation that a contractor had been appointed.

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The Legan-based councillor outlined in his motion the 'main is bursting on a daily basis causing hardship for families, businesses and farms and there is no information available as to when the upgrade is due to start or what is causing the delay'.

Cllr Ross insisted this level of service is 'unacceptable' and this issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible.

The motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil Councillor Mick Cahill who said he supported Cllr Ross' 'very good' motion and he stated he had no confidence in Uisce Éireann.

"Irish Water are not fit to provide a service and if a company was not fit to do that you would say they should be disbanded.
"The Government should look at it and say lets hand back the responsibility to the council."

Cllr Cahill said he believed local authorities would make a better attempt at dealing with the issues that have been affecting hosueholders and business owners.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Seamus Butler said he was inclined to concur and in the past 10 years since the water utility was established there had been multiple issues.

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The Longford town-based representative stated the water utility had not been held to account over the level of service.
"Nearly every week we get a water outage.

“But, Uisce Éireann are not answerable to anyone.”

He stated they had “spent a 'significant amount' of money changing their name” to improve their image.