Raw sewage rising into back gardens of homes in Waterford  

Due to issues with a public sewerage pipe in Portlaw, raw sewage has been coming up through manholes in the back gardens of local houses.

Cllr Declan Clune explained the issue at a meeting of Comeragh District Council this week, saying that approximately 10 houses are impacted.

Cllr Clune voiced concerns at the meeting over both Irish Water and Waterford City and County Council saying that it is not within their remit to fix the issue.

“Irish Water are maintaining that it’s not their responsibility because it’s on private property, even though it’s a public pipe,” Cllr Clune said.

“They’re basically saying that it’s the responsibility of the residents of these houses to repair a public sewer mains pipe. How can ordinary people be expected to fund the repair of a public sewage pipe, which could run into hundreds of thousands of euro?"

Waterford City and County Council Director of Services Gabriel Hynes said that such issues have become commonplace across the country due to an outdated model whereby older houses were built with services travelling through back gardens.

“It’s an issue that needs to be dealt with nationally. It can’t be dealt with locally,” he said.

Cllr Clune and Mr. Hynes said that the ongoing issue in Portlaw could pose a public health risk.