Uisce Eireann chiefs meet cllrs over ongoing water supply disruption

There has been widespread frustration in Trim, Ratoath and Ashbourne

Uisce Éireann met with Meath’s elected representatives at Meath Co Council headquarters in Navan last Thursday to discuss the recent supply issues in the south of the county.

There has been widespread frustration in several areas of the county including Trim, Ratoath and Ashbourne, due to the regular outages and water restrictions that residents have had to endure, which are also impacting on local businesses.

According to Uisce Éireann, their planned strategic projects to rectify the supply issues represent an investment of over €60 million and when completed, will provide a safe and reliable water supply for generations to come as well as enabling further social and economic development in areas that have already seen significant growth in recent years.

They blamed the ageing water network, old infrastructure and lack of treated water reservoirs for the problems customers, particularly in Ratoath, Ashbourne and surrounding areas have been experiencing in relation to supply disruptions following major bursts, unplanned outages and high demand.

During the meeting, senior Uisce Éireann water engineers outlined the progress already made on the new reservoir at Windmill Hill and the replacement of over 7km of aging pipeline which will be fully operational in the coming months.

Among the large attendance in Buvinda House and online were local TDs and councillors from across Co Meath including Cathaoirleach of Meath, Councillor Tommy Reilly, and water services staff from Uisce Éireann and Meath County Council.

Uisce Éireann’s Water Operations Lead for Meath, Michael Cunniffe said: “Our priority at all times is the provision of a safe and secure drinking water supply to our customers right across Meath and we are committed to working together with our elected representatives for the benefit of our customers.”

Cathaoirleach of Meath, Councillor Tommy Reilly, added: “I welcome the hugely important delivery of these key projects for the county and the continued investment in water services by Uisce Eireann, in particular the recent investment of €17 million to replace the main water supply pipeline into Navan Town Centre from Proudstown Reservoir and the major infrastructure upgrade of Navan’s Water Treatment Plant at Liscarton.”

Uisce Éireann says it will continue to closely monitor the supply in Ashbourne, Ratoath, Kilbride and surrounding areas until the new reservoir and pipework is operational.

It has also pointed to its variety of channels through which customers can find information about their local water supply.

To get localised updates, visit www.water.ie