Protesting east Mayo residents told to expect water connection next year

MAYO County Council plan to start putting pipes in the ground this year to allow a community in Kiltimagh connect to the local public water supply.

Irish Water have indicated that upgrade works on the Kiltimagh treatment plant will be completed in quarter 3 of 2023, allowing residents in Cleragh and Lisduff to connect.

The residents - representing 20 plus households - held a protest outside the headquarters of Mayo County Council on Monday to voice their frustration at the lack of progress being made. They've been lobbying for 10 years for a clean water supply and currently rely on wells.

In a statement, the Cleragh/Lisduff Water Committee explained: 'There are 25 plus houses in Cleragh and Lisduff, Kiltimagh. These houses do no have access to clean running water in their homes.

'This committee is in place since 2012. The only aim of this committee is to achieve access to running water.

'We have continuously contacted Mayo County Council and Irish Water and have various meetings, emails, letters and many, many phone calls. We are still in the same position as we were in 2012 with regard to water. We are relying on wells (which probably are not safe) and buying bottled water.

'We have decided to protest to highlight this very serious issue. We have no other avenue available despite our best efforts.

'We ask Mayo County Council address this problem urgently since this has been fully funded since 2019.'

Councillors met with residents outside Aras an Chondae as they gathered for their monthly meeting.

The matter was raised later in the council chamber where Councillor Neil Cruise said it was a shocking situation, with the council blaming Irish Water and Irish Water blaming them.

On the 2023 dates being given, that was still a long way down the road for the residents, noted Councillor John Caulfield.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Smyth said he has written to Irish Water to seek an emergency connection.

The plant upgrade is to be finished next year, and the council have committed to do work on the piping concurrently, he said. Additional funding for that is being sought from the department as costs have risen, he explained.

Director of services John Condon said Irish Water had been unable to give a connection as there was a struggle to maintain existing supply on the Kiltimagh scheme.

They have now secured funding for an upgrade and the council were working with Irish Water with a view to get a connection in parallel with that, so by the time the supply is ready they can have the pipes in place.

Asked by Councillor Gerry Murray for a timeframe, Mr. Condon said they expected Irish Water to be able to give water next year. The council hoped to get their works underway this year so they are completed in 2023 at the same time as Irish Water finish theirs.