Waterford residents facing ‘extremely serious’ situation as water supply at risk
Waterford TD Conor McGuinness has raised the issues facing residents of Woodlands Estate in Portlaw
Residents of a housing estate in County Waterford are facing an “extremely serious” situation, a local TD has said.
Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness was speaking on the water supply issues facing residents of Woodlands Estate in Portlaw.
Over 70 residents currently receive their water supply from a private well which is run by Campion Operations Limited.
However, the service provider has notified residents that it will cease its service at the location from Friday, August 14.
It comes after residents objected to the company raising yearly fees from €250 to €425.
Deputy Conor McGuinness and Cllr Catherine Burke have said that residents of the estate must have their right to safe and adequate water upheld.
Deputy McGuinness said: “This is an extremely serious development.
“Households are now facing uncertainty about the continuity of their water supply and the continued monitoring of water quality. That is completely unacceptable.
“The developer has a responsibility to ensure residents continue to have a safe and reliable water supply until Woodlands is connected to the public network.
“Residents cannot become collateral damage in a dispute between private parties.”
He went on to call for Uisce Éireann to take action on the issue at hand.
“Uisce Éireann must now treat the permanent connection as a matter of urgency.
“Recent progress has been welcome, but this latest development underlines why every effort must now be made to expedite those works.
“The residents have waited long enough. They deserve certainty, security and a permanent solution.”
Deputy McGuinness concluded by saying he would continue to work with his Sinn Féin colleagues and the residents’ committee until that is delivered.
Meanwhile, Cllr Catherine Burke outlined the feelings that residents are experiencing on the ground.
Cllr Burke said: “Residents are understandably extremely anxious. There can be no interruption to their water supply and no gap in the monitoring of water quality.
“I have sought urgent clarification from Uisce Éireann, Waterford City and County Council, and the relevant parties on what immediate action will now be taken.”
She highlighted the work of the residents’ committee in trying to secure the water supply.
“The residents’ committee has worked tirelessly over many years.
“They deserve certainty that their water supply will continue while the permanent public connection is delivered.
“Our message is clear. Maintain the water supply. Maintain water quality monitoring.”
She concluded by calling on Uisce Éireann to expedite the permanent public connection.