Over 38,000 people in Tipperary currently have boil water notices as TD slams Uisce Éireann

Tipperary Independent TD Mattie McGrath has slammed Irish Water for what he describes as “a shocking and unacceptable failure of responsibility,” as 38,500 people across South Tipperary are currently under Boil Water Notices affecting three major water supply schemes:

Ardfinnan Treatment Plant impacting Goatenbridge, Cahir, Newcastle, Poulmucka, Clerihan and surrounding areas, on a boil water notice since early September.

Galtee Regional Public Water Supply including Emly, Lattin, Ballinard, Cullen, Ballywire, Kilross, Limerick Junction, Monard, Lisvarnane, Rosadrehid, Bansha, Tankerstown, Kilfeacle, Golden, Cashel, Rosegreen, New Inn, Knockgraffan, Clonpet, Thomastown, Donaskeagh and surrounding areas.

READ NEXT: Councillors demand action on derelict Tipperary house where 'rats as big as cats' seen

Glenary- serving parts of Clonmel Town.

Deputy McGrath said:

“This is a national scandal. Public health is being put at risk while Irish Water hides behind excuses and buzzwords. Safe drinking water is a basic right, yet 38,500 people are boiling water for weeks because Irish Water cannot do its job. When I raised this in the Dáil, the Minister said he has no responsibility, that is simply outrageous.”

READ NEXT: Tipperary TD confirms nearly €3.5m approved for new supported-housing development in Thurles

McGrath highlighted the shocking contrast between Irish Water’s failures and its financial practices:

“Irish Water paid out €13 million in bonuses to staff last year while continuing to fail the people of South Tipperary. This is beyond unacceptable. There must be an independent review into how Irish Water is operating in South Tipperary and why these constant outages and boil notices have dragged on for months.”

The Government has to intervene here and hold Irish Water to account and review what is happening. Before Irish Water took over we had a water service to be proud of in South Tipperary with issues such as these few and far between. They have brought utter chaos and no one is taking responsibility.” continued McGrath

“I raised my serious concerns in the Dáil last week, but no one is taking accountability. Irish Water is a failed entity, and the people of South Tipperary deserve better than this chaos.”