Residents of small Waterford village facing ‘pollution risks’ amid ‘unacceptable’ services

Residents of a small County Waterford village are facing “pollution risks” due to “unacceptable” water services, the Dáil has heard.

The issue was raised by Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane during a debate on Uisce Éireann infrastructure delivery, accountability and repair timelines.

Deputy Cullinane said: “I want to raise serious concerns regarding the continued failure of Uisce Éireann to address wastewater infrastructure deficits in small coastal rural communities, specifically the village of Bunmahon in County Waterford.

“Bunmahon is a growing coastal village, a vital local amenity and an important tourist destination yet its wastewater system is wholly inadequate.

“During winter months, the network regularly surcharges, creating pollution risks, threatening public health and damaging the local environment.”

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He went on to say that the issues in the village have been ongoing for some time and have been continually raised by local representatives.

“This is not a new issue. It is long standing, well documented and has been repeatedly raised by Councillor Catherine Burke, a Sinn Féin councillor, but also by Waterford City and County Council itself in email correspondence and letters to Uisce Éireann.

“Despite this, Bunmahon is again being excluded from Uisce Éireann's small towns and villages growth programme. That decision is deeply disappointing and unacceptable.

“The council has supplied extensive evidence to Uisce Éireann but gaps in monitoring – which, again, is no fault of the people who live in the village - and a lack of proactive assessment appear to be preventing Bunmahon from being fairly considered for investment.”

Deputy Cullinane concluded by expressing his frustration at the situation and callling on Minister James Browne to take action.

“The reality is this: communities like Bunmahon are being held back not because there is no need but because there is no action.

“When there are deficits in water infrastructure, homes cannot be built, businesses cannot expand and environmental protections are compromised due to what is chronic under investment.

“I am asking the Minister to examine this issue and, if he can, to come back to me in writing because I have to say any of the responses I have got from Uisce Éireann, as scant as they are, have been wholly inadequate.”

A number of other TDs also raised issues with Uisce Éireann in the aftermath of Deputy Cullinane’s remarks.

Waterford Fine Gael TD and Minister of State John Cummins was present in the Dáil on behalf of Minister Browne.

Minister Cummins did not provide a specific response to Deputy Cullinane’s statement but did issue a general response to all TDs present.

In this, he stated: “Since the establishment of Uisce Éireann, significant improvements have been made in the delivery of water services.

“Hundreds of water and wastewater treatment plants have been upgraded along with the installation of thousands of kilometres of new or rehabilitated water mains.

“National leakage rates have been reduced and the overall quality of drinking water remains very high.

“There is, of course, more work to do and the sustained and increasing funding and support provided by the Government will enable Uisce Éireann to make continued progress in the time ahead.”

Minister Cummins concluded by saying that he is confident that with strong backing, Uisce Éireann will deliver “stronger and more resilient” wastewater services in the future.