Calls for new Bundoran water pipeline as Uisce Éireann relationship questioned

Bundoran-based councillor, Michael McMahon, said Bundoran needed a new water pipeline as he expressed his fears regarding Donegal County Council’s future working relationship with Uisce Éireann.

Speaking at October’s meeting of Donegal Municipal District at Donegal Town, Cllr McMahon said: “This summer, we had two very serious breaks in Bundoran. It would be a serious problem to get a new line in, but we need a new line because both of the pipes broke, and they feed all of Bundoran, and get sections of Ballyshannon, and right out to Belleek.

“Unfortunately, it happens during public holidays, and we had a lot of extra work to do, and businesses had to get their tanks full two days after we opened Waterworld.”

Cllr McMahon then expressed his doubts about Donegal County Council’s future working relationship with Uisce Éireann, as he commented: “We are currently going through a transition where we are no longer involved with withdrawal services. By the end of next year, there will be no Donegal water staff. They will all be employed by Uisce Éireann.

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“We become totally isolated if we are not going to get messages through the Municipal District. How are we going to get messages to Uisce Éireann?

“It is going to be very awkward if we can not get messages to them. It is very disrespectful to elected representatives.”

In response, Pauric Sheerin, the Area Manager in Donegal MD in Housing and Corporate Services, said: “I know we were circulated with documents with Uisce Éireann to make sure that working relationships with the local authority continue.

“From a corporate follow-up, we will make sure we are circulating that. There is a mechanism to how that future relationship will be managed.

“Ultimately, the actual capital decisions will be made by Uisce Éireann.”