Residents 'at wits end' over ongoing water issues

Residents in areas of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District are being left with either little or no water supply on a regular basis.

Councillors from the Letterkenny-Milford MD are demanding a face-to-face showdown with Irish Water in a bid to address the issue.

Families in Rossbracken were left with no water on Christmas Day in 2021 and on New Year's Day this year.

Councillor Donal 'Mandy' Kelly, who tabled a motion to the Letterkenny-Milford MD, outlined that homeowners in Bomany and New Mills are reporting problems 'at least four times a week'.

“There are major issues that need addressed as a matter of urgency,” Councillor Kelly said.

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“Since I came here, all our meetings with Irish Water have been online. I feel they treat the meetings like a tick the box exercise.

“We are not being listened to as public representatives and it's not on.

“Every representative has brought a motion in relation to Irish Water and the frustrations are plain to be seen.

“Out in Rossbracken, people are at their wits end. The pipes need replaced and we have emails telling us that the pipes are outdated. Why aren't the works being carried out? We are just being fobbed off.

“There are others in Tullygay and their water is nearly green. How is this carry-on continuing?”

Councillor Donal Coyle also brought a motion demanding that the pipes at Rossbracken be replaced.

“It is the worst area for bursts in this MD,” Councillor Coyle said. “We need a face-to-face meeting to resolve this.”

Councillor Gerry McMonagle said such problems are 'becoming more and more regular'.

“Pipes in these areas are not fit for purpose and are bursting every other week,” he said.

“Irish Water aren't listening to us. Someone needs to get a handle on it."

A response from Donegal County Council to Councillor Kelly's motion said: “Irish Water's Regional Lead has been contacted with the request for a meeting with Councillors and Irish Water to be arranged asap. Irish Water will revert to the Councillor through the dedicated Councillor portal.”

Full Irish Water management and operational control of water services in Donegal is expected to be in place by June 2023.

Outgoing Councillor Ian McGarvey called on Donegal County Council not to hand over the controls.

“It is such a grave situation,” Councillor McGarvey said. “Irish Water will domineer over the ordinary people when they get full control. A clear and open meeting has to take place.”

Donegal County Council said: “Irish Water is the water authority and is to be the Single Purpose Utility. Donegal LA will not retain shared delivery of water and wastewater services further to the new water service agreements

“Management of Water Service Operations in Donegal was transferred to Irish Water on 1st January 2023 under the Framework for future delivery of water services agreement between CCMA, Department, Irish Water and Unions.”