Uisce Éireann to take charge of east Mayo group water scheme this week
UISCE Éireann will be taking charge of the Johnstown Lavellyroe group water scheme in east Mayo this Thursday, August 21, Councillor Alma Gallagher has confirmed.
As a result, the water supply will be off from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day. A boiled water notice will remain until all the quality checks are completed with the new scheme.
In 2017 the Johnstown Lavellyroe group water scheme was placed on a boil water notice when the source became contaminated and deemed unsafe for human consumption. It was then placed on the rural water framework programme where €1.3 million was invested in the scheme, and it remained on the boil water notice ever since.
Said Councillor Gallagher: ‘’I have been working with the residents, Uisce Éireann and Mayo County Council, trying to move this saga along when I was elected in June 2024. Finally, Uisce Éireann issued a connection notice to the scheme at a cost of €517,000 to Mayo County Council in November 2024.
"In December last year, I tabled a question in advance of the closed meeting with Uisce Éireann in the council chamber and was informed that the scheme would be connected in the first quarter of this year. I asked for it in writing, but unfortunately the project hit another wall regarding a design issue with the connection in Cloonfad’.’
Councillor Gallagher continued: “So, despite extensive infrastructure upgrade, including the installation of new pipes, residents were still faced with contaminated water, especially after heavy rainfall, with brown water running from their taps. The water was not fit even to wash clothes in.”
Councillor Gallagher has voiced serious concerns for the health and safety of vulnerable groups in the community, including newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
She commended Michael McDermott and his team at Mayo County Council for their dedication in progressing the project, members of Johnstown Lavellyroe group water scheme and residents who worked tirelessly to ensure this project crossed the line.
"Finally, this Thursday, the Johnstown Lavellyroe group water scheme will be connected to the main water supply and taken charge by Uisce Éireann.”