"Uisce Eireann should be shut down" - Councillors voice serious concerns over water body
Serious concerns over Uisce Eireann's inability to respond to water issues in Waterford was raised in the Council Chamber at City Hall last week
Across Waterford, local councillors have consistently been critical of Uisce Eireann (Irish Water) for their lack of cooperation and transparency over serious water and wastewater issues the county is facing.
At monthly Council meetings across the county’s electoral areas, elected members have strongly criticised the water body’s inability to respond to the concerns of elected representatives and local residents.
Councillors have all shared a similar sentiment; that Uisce Eireann need to be held accountable.
At this month’s Plenary meeting, once again councillors expressed serious concerns.
Cllr Declan Clune described Uisce Eireann as “absolutely the worst organisation I’ve ever dealt with in my whole life.”
“They should be shut down or there should certainly be a change of management,” he added.
Mayor Seamus Ryan called for representatives from Uisce Eireann to attend a meeting in Waterford, where the local authority could present their concerns to the water body publicly.
“I’m very conscious that meeting after meeting Irish Water is coming up,” Mayor Ryan said.
“We’re hearing the frustrations of the members, who are more importantly passing on the frustrations of homeowners regarding ongoing issues with Irish Water.
“I’d prefer to talk to the person who’s making the decision in Irish Water and let them come in here."
Following the Mayor’s request, Cllr Joeanne Bailey said Irish Water would be unwilling to attend a meeting publicly, whilst Cllr Eamon Quinlan said, “they’re trying to avoid public scrutiny”.
Cllr Bailey added: “This is going on for months and we all have problems in our areas."
Waterford Council Director of Services, Gabriel Hynes, said local authorities across the county are all facing similar issues with Uisce Eireann.
“This is a national issue and it is an issue that needs to be resolved,” he said.
Also during the meeting, councillors voiced concerns over Uisce Eireann's backyard policy, which prevents them from mending sewage pipes which flow underneath properties.
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