Frustration in Waterford over Uisce Éireann’s handing of local water outages

Frustration has been expressed in County Waterford over Uisce Éireann’s handling of local water outages.

In particular, the utility has been criticised for its lack of communication with local residents when issues arise.

Sinn Féin councillor Kate O’Mahoney spoke on the subject after a large number of households in Dungarvan were left without water on Thursday last.

Cllr O’Mahoney said the latest disruption came amid continuing concerns over how Uisce Éireann communicates with households, businesses and local representatives when water supplies are interrupted.

She stated: “This is an issue I have raised repeatedly, and it is extremely frustrating to see further disruption without the standard of communication that people have every right to expect.

“When a water outage occurs, people need clear, accurate and timely information.

“They need to know what has happened, which areas are affected, how long the disruption is expected to last and when they can expect their supply to return.”

Cllr O’Mahoney argued that local businesses and households should not be left looking for answers when issues arise.

“Businesses need this information to make decisions, while households need to plan around this essential service.”

“While I understand outages are not always planned, too often, we are left looking for answers when we realise there are outages or discolouration in our water. That is simply not good enough.”

She also pointed out that this is not a new concern.

At the July meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District, she supported calls for Waterford City and County Council to write to Uisce Éireann seeking an explanation for the repeated outages and poor communication experienced across the Dungarvan area.

At the September district meeting, she again sought a follow-up from the council, having previously highlighted the lack of timely updates during outages.

Cllr O’Mahoney continued: “At our October district meeting, councillors received a response from Uisce Éireann, but I did not consider that response satisfactory.

“Given the ongoing nature of these problems and the fact that concerns have already been raised on several occasions, councillors called for correspondence to be sent directly to the Executive level of Uisce Éireann.

“We need to see this issue taken seriously at the highest level. There must also be accountability for the quality of communication provided to customers when these incidents occur.

“Uisce Éireann must explain what steps it will take to ensure that updates are accurate, consistent and issued promptly, and how it intends to improve communication with residents, businesses and local representatives.”

She concluded by saying that whilst locals understand that unexpected outages can happen, they shouldn’t be left confused as to what is happening in their own area.

“I will continue to press for answers on behalf of residents and businesses in across the district and the wider West Waterford area,” Cllr O’Mahoney added.