Closure of community water pump leaves residents high and dry

Community disappointed after council disconnects historic hand pump on foot of HSE advice that the water is not fit for human consumption

Residents in Cannistown have voiced their disappointment at the closure of a 100-year-old water pump that has been serving the locality for generations.

The pump was recently disconnected without explanation according to resident David Keating who says that up to 100 people a day used the prized pump prior to its closure.

“I live right beside the school and for the last 20 years everyone in the local area myself included has been getting their water from the pump at the school.

“It had been tested and maintained by the council, then about two-three months ago without any explanation they disconnected the pump and erected warning signs.

“I know they have stopped testing the water from the ‘Lion’s Mouth’ in Kenstown also so I am presuming it is a countywide thing.”

David says it was beneficial to the environment as well as saving people money.

“I work from home and have the pump in my view and there were 50 to 100 people getting water every day from it which in turn was saving them money and saving the environment as they are now buying bottled water.”

“We are on the main water supply out here and we can’t drink it because it tastes so bad so it is either use the pump or buy water.

“It’s very disappointing when you pay your tax and they just cut the water off and left everyone high and dry.”

David’s grandfather Vincent founded Keatings Oil - now run by his father Damien Keating. He says he remembers hearing stories about the pump going back though the generations.

“My dad used to tell me that his father used to sit outside the school before cars were on the road and when a horse came along they used to put the bucket underneath the pump and that’s how the horses got watered on their journey. It’s a part of the history here.

“I really think it is a shame to step away from the traditional, healthier and more sustainable model that has been in place for generations because the council don’t want to pay for water testing.”

Frank Corcoran is a member of the Cannistown Residents Association and he says the pump is there as long as he can remember.

“I’m 65 and it was here long before my time, my grandfather would have watered horses at it because there was a big stone trough there.

“When the water goes in the pipes we are able to get water there to flush toilets.

“We miss it badly, it is lovely water to drink.

“People were coming from all around to use the pump but it is the locals who will miss it most, it is part of our heritage here.

“There are a lot of people around here very annoyed about it but we helpless.

Another local resident Deirdre Tormay says it is “a bit loss to the community.”

“We used the pump for our drinking water and now we have to buy plastic bottles which is terrible for the environment.

“There is 6km block around Bective Football Pitch and back and people out walking and cycling stop here for water so we really miss it.”

A spokesperson for Meath County Council commented that on the advice of the HSE Public Health, they disconnected the water supply to the hand pump at Cannistown.

“The water from this hand pump is not treated and hence unfortunately, it cannot be considered fit for human consumption.

“The Council will continue to consult with the HSE and should their advice change, we will respond accordingly.”