Elderly residents left extremely distressed as century old sewage pipe collapses
Cllr Frank Quinlan, explained the issue this week, saying that the matter is “extremely distressing.”
At Dominick’s Place in Waterford City, a row of houses have been experiencing serious sewage maintenance issues due to the collapse of a century old underground lead pipe.
Both Uisce Eireann and Waterford Council said that the issue does not fall under their remit to resolve, and consequently, the elderly residents are being expected to foot the bill.
Cllr Frank Quinlan, further explained the issue this week, saying that the matter is “extremely distressing.”
“It concerns a public sewer which would be 100 years old and which runs through the back garden of a person’s house. The pipe has collapsed and it is now affecting eight or nine houses along that road."
Cllr. Quinlan added that Uisce Eireann have “refused point blank to take any responsibility.”
“It’s extremely unfair,” he said
“It’s not the people’s fault that the pipe collapsed, and these people who are living on their pension are now being expected to pick up the pieces for this major, major issue.
“I think it’s unacceptable and very unfair to expect pensioners to have to pay for these legacy issues and it is extremely stressful for the home owners of these properties.”
At this week’s Plenary Council Meeting, Cllr Quinlan asked the Council’s Housing Director, Seamus De Faoite if the Council could intervene.
Mr. De Faoite said that two of the houses impacted are Council properties.
He added, however, that the local housing department is not the relevant authority to deal with the issue.
“Engagement is ongoing with Uisce Eireann to outline the issue that we have as a housing authority, but also the macro picture here as well," he said.
“This isn’t just a Waterford issue, it’s about trying to bring Uisce Eireann to the table.”
Local councillors have consistently been critical of Uisce Eireann for their lack of transparency over such issues, and once again at this month’s meeting the water body was slammed for its inability to respond to the concerns of elected representatives and local residents.
