Residents in limbo over fractured pipes
The residents have had to call for assistance multiple times over the years.
Residents in Dominic’s Place are struggling to live comfortably amid issues over fractured pipes and over-flowing sewerage tanks.
One resident contacted the Waterford News and Star about their years’ long battle to find any sort of resolution with the local authority and water utility body.
The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, has met with numerous roadblocks in trying to establish a timeline of the issues that are plaguing the area, and said: "This has been going on for decades."
Hundreds of euro was spent on drainage, unblocking and hiring an engineer to film inside the pipes and footage revealed fractures and cracks within the pipes. Fellow residents have also reported problems with overflowing, blocked pipes, foul odours and sewage back-up. A number of the residents are elderly and vulnerable people. One person reported drainage issues, with water coming up to his ankles whenever he would take a shower. Neighbours are at odds with one another over the shared pipes. One household hired a drainage company to unblock their pipes, only for the blockage to go into their neighbours' pipes. Waterford City and County Council confirmed the issues are under the remit of Uisce Éireann. In turn, Uisce Éireann stated that 'private side issues' are the responsibility of the property owner. Waterford Council have at least two properties under their charge.
The resident asked Uisce Éireann for a data export under the Freedom of Information Act (2014) but was requested to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. When asked why they would have to sign such a document, the response was "as to why signing a non-disclosure agreement would be necessary when getting access to a digital export from the GIS (Geographical Information System). The mapping system may include data that is not publicly available, and that the organisation considers confidential". When contacted Uisce Éireann responded with the following: “Uisce Éireann is aware of the concerns raised regarding backyard service connections in several estates in Waterford City. These wastewater connections, typically located to the rear of properties and often shared between multiple homes, were installed many decades ago and can become a source of disruption. Under current legislation, responsibility for pipework located within private property boundaries rests with the property owner. Uisce Éireann has no remit or funding to upgrade private-side infrastructure. However, we understand the frustration this causes for homeowners, particularly where legacy arrangements impact multiple properties.
“Where a collapse occurs within private property or on shared private backyard pipework, it is a private-side issue for the owners concerned. We will continue to engage with Waterford City & County Council on possible local solutions. We are committed to working with communities and local authorities to address these wastewater challenges where possible.”
