Housing Minister “aghast and amazed” over water issues at local housing estate

There have been longstanding water supply issues at Woodlands Estate in Portlaw, county Waterford.

For years, the estate’s residents have been required to pay annual charges for their water supply because the estate was not connected to the public water supply.

Last week, residents came a step closer to being connected to the public network, as Uisce Eireann announced a detailed design and delivery programme to be finalised by year end.

Local representatives in the area who have long pursued the issue with Uisce Éireann issued comment on these developments last week.

Cllr John O’Leary, who recently met with Housing Minister James Browne to discuss the issue, said the Minister was “aghast and amazed” that the estate had no public supply.

Minister Mary Butler said last week that Minister Browne has been continuously engaging with the issue.

Meanwhile, Cllr Catherine Burke said the full delivery of the service must now be expedited.

Speaking during last week's Comeragh District meeting, she said: "We have been working on this for quite some time. I think it might be time to write to Uisce Eireann to ask them to expedite the connection to the public supply. 

“We have had commitment from Uisce Eireann that it will be done, but we could manage to push them further."

(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)