Irish Water opposed to removing unsightly pipe in Mayo river

IRISH Water has described a proposal to remove the unsightly waste water pipe in the town river as 'extremely challenging'.

The company was responding to a request from Marie Crowley, head of the Castlebar Municipal District.

Ms. Crowley said elected members of the district requested that Irish Water remove the pipe because it was unsightly and potentially dangerous in the event of a leak. It also impedes river-based activities.

“There may be an opportunity to deal with some or part of this pipe during upcoming development of a river walkway at the rear of Linenhall Street,” she added.

In its response, Irish Water stated: “Any alternative routing of the existing sewer would prove extremely challenging due to the location of buildings along the river and the significant disruption construction works would cause in the town centre.

“There is no provision in the next investment period to fund any diversion or rerouting of this pipeline.

“However, Irish Water will work with Mayo County Council and the various stakeholders in the development of the proposed walkway.”

The statement added that the likelihood of failure or leakage from the pipe is considerably low.