Donegal MD Councillors concerned over future Uisce Éireann interactions

A number of county councillors at yesterday's meeting of the Donegal Municipal District (MD) of Donegal County Council (DCC) have expressed concerns over the future relationship with Uisce Éireann, (formerly Irish Water), when they take over full control of the management of the public water supplies in Donegal from June.

Last year the government brought in legislation for the separation of Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) from Ervia and its establishment as the standalone national authority for water services.

Changes including a name change to Irish, came into effect in January.

Speaking at the MD meeting, Cllr Noel Jordan (SF) said that it was imperative that in terms of open and honest communication between themselves and Uisce Éireann moving forward, a good working relationship was instituted.

He said that in the past there had always been good dialogue with staff from Donegal County Council, where matters had, at the very least, been responded to, though not necessarily, always to the liking of councillors.

The Donegal Public Services Centre where monthly meetings of Donegal MD are held

He called for councillors to be able to request members of Uisce Éireann to attend MD meetings.

In the past, two of the most important services in the county, that of water and waste, always had representatives at those meetings, from the appropriate Donegal County Council Department, if members raised a query.

Cllr Jordan said they would not be the only MD asking for such clarity or having concerns.

He added: “We need them at the table. They have taken over all the infrastructure that is available from Donegal County Council and we will have vital questions moving forward.”

The suggestion received the backing of Fine Gael’s Cllr Barry Sweeney who said that it was extremely important that a close link was maintained with Uisce Éireann.

Cllr Michael McMahon said that their biggest fears would be that this would move councillors and the public “a step further removed” from getting answers from the utility, in relation to public water supply issues in the county.

Uisce Éireann response

The concerns raised at the meeting were brought to the attention of Uisce Éireann by the Democrat, who said that they wanted to thank the members of DCC and elected representatives for their support.

They reiterated their commitment to ensuring they are kept informed of continued developments and investment across the county.

A spokesperson told the paper:

“Uisce Éireann Councillor clinics for elected representatives in each of the five Donegal municipal districts will continue throughout 2023 and we look forward to engaging with local elected representatives at these dedicated clinics.

“Prior to the clinics taking place, we encourage councillors to submit any queries they may have in advance so that we can address and respond to queries raised as quickly as possible.”

They added that as well as a local Representative support desk, councillor clinics are held throughout the year at which elected representatives can meet Uisce Éireann experts and discuss local issues/projects.