Historic water pump to be reinstalled in Ballyduff

A historically significant water pump in Ballyduff village is to be reinstalled.

The pump was recently removed to facilitate the construction of a new residence in the area, much to the dismay of locals.

Cllr John O’Leary spoke on the issue this week.

“As a result of a planning permission for a house in the village of Ballyduff, it saw the removal of the village pump, which has been in situ there since the mid-forties.

“This has been met by residents with absolute condemnation, anger and disbelief. It is unacceptable that something as valued and as old as the village pump would be removed to enable planning. It has been a significant landmark in the village.

Cllr O'Leary added, “There was no objection to this because a lot of people don’t actually go through, or don’t even see planning applications. So what I’m asking is that the village pump be relocated in line with the demeanour it was set in and in the same area."

Aisling O'Sullivan, senior executive planner at Waterford City and County Council, said the pump will be reinstalled "very, very shortly".

“That disused pump was temporarily removed to allow for the provision of appropriate sight lines as per the conditional planning. I have been informed by the planner that she has been in contact with the applicant and that the pump is being reinstated on the site and it’s being done with the satisfaction of the district engineer.”