Waterford TD McGuinness slams ‘prolonged disruption’ to Dungarvan water supply

Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness has slammed what he described as the “prolonged disruption” to water supply in Dungarvan.

Deputy McGuinness criticised the disruption which has affected households and businesses across Dungarvan and the surrounding district over the past week.

He described it as another reminder of the failure to adequately invest in essential water infrastructure.

Since the middle of last week, numerous homes and businesses across Dungarvan and the surrounding area have experienced extended interruptions to their water supply, with rolling disruptions causing considerable inconvenience and disruption to daily life and business.

Deputy McGuinness said: “People across Dungarvan and the surrounding district have endured a very difficult week.

“Being left without a reliable water supply for prolonged periods is simply unacceptable, particularly for households with young children, older people and those operating local businesses.

“While the immediate priority has been to identify and repair the faults in the network, this situation must also be viewed in the wider context of decades of underinvestment in our water infrastructure by successive governments.

“We cannot continue to expect communities to put up with repeated disruption to such a basic and essential service. Water infrastructure requires sustained investment, proper maintenance and long-term planning.”

He acknowledged the work of Uisce Éireann crews in their attempts to restore supply, as well as the work of Cllr Kate O’Mahoney in keeping the community informed.

“I want to acknowledge the efforts of the Uisce Éireann workers and repair crews who have been working on the ground to locate the bursts and faults in the network and restore supplies.

“They are dealing with the consequences of an infrastructure problem that has been allowed to develop over many years, and their work is appreciated.

“I also want to acknowledge the work of my colleague, Councillor Kate O’Mahony, who has worked alongside me over recent days to engage with Uisce Éireann, the local authority and affected residents, communities and businesses.

“We have been working to ensure that people’s concerns are heard, that information is shared and that every effort is made to secure answers and the restoration of supplies.”

Deputy McGuinness concluded by saying that the communication from Uisce Éireann during the disruption could have been better.

“Communication with affected households and businesses could also have been considerably better, particularly during the initial stages of the disruption.

“People need timely, accurate information about what is happening, the areas affected and when they can expect their supply to be restored.

“I intend to raise this matter in the Dáil and seek answers on the causes of the disruption, the condition of the water network serving Dungarvan and what investment is required to prevent a repeat of this situation.”