Tipperary TD says Uisce Éireann given strong message at meeting on local water issues

Tipperary Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne has welcomed the clarity of the message sent to Uisce Éireann during a meeting this Monday on the disastrous supply issues plaguing the county and its impact on businesses and the public in general.

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Browne said that the message was clear, and Uisce Éireann  must take on board the sentiments and suggestions given at the meeting, while it must also improve its communications with the public and public representatives.

“Monday’s meeting was an ideal opportunity for businesses to outline to Irish Water the damage that is being done to their livelihoods through the constant supply interruptions that have plagued the region recently; while it also was an ideal forum for the anger and frustration that is being felt locally to be conveyed to the utility company," he said.

However, while it was also welcome that representatives from Uisce Éireann were present, it is crucial that they take on board what they were told, said the Cashel TD.

“For instance, there is a strong belief that measures should be taken enable the Poulavanogue cater for short term measures to secure supply while the longer-term plans Irish Water has in mind are progressed. Irish Water must consider this point and the other contributions that were made on Monday night," said Deputy Browne.

He said that he and Cllr David Dunne drew attention to the impact that hard water was having on domestic and business appliances, and they questioned Uisce Éireann representatives about the need to put a softening system in place at source to address the financial burden hard water was having.

"Unfortunately, Uisce Éireann would give no commitment, despite the disastrous impact this is having on homes and businesses," he said.

“The lack of communication was another matter that drew the ire of all in attendance. It was made clear that Uisce Éireann communications with the public, with businesses and with public representatives is not fit for purpose, and must be addressed as a matter of urgency, as the Uisce Éireann website can give conflicting messages, and the current level of real-time information given to homes, businesses and elected representatives is far from satisfactory.

“While this meeting was beneficial in terms of giving people the opportunity to question Uisce Éireann, any real benefit will only be felt when Uisce Éireann listens to the feedback from the public, acts in the interests of the public, and improves its communications with the public and those who the public have elected to represent them," said Deputy Browne.