Meath South East News, Edition 25

UISCE ÉIREANN RESPONSE TO WATER OUTAGES “NOTHING SHORT OF DISGRACEFUL”

Sinn Féin Meath East TD

Darren O’Rourke said Uisce Éireann’s response to water outages in Ratoath, Ashbourne, and other parts of Meath is ‘nothing short of disgraceful’.

According to O’Rourke, there have been approximately 20 water outages over the past 12 months.

Speaking in the Dáil, Darren O’Rourke TD, said “There is huge frustration in Co. Meath - in Ratoath, in particular, and Ashbourne and surrounding areas - related to all-too-regular, unscheduled and prolonged water outages.

“The response from Uisce Éireann, in terms of action and communication, is nothing short of disgraceful. “Treatment of registered vulnerable customers is abysmal. Treatment of local households and businesses

is similar. Promised supplies of bottled water often do not materialise.

“Bursts happen on an all-too-regular basis and depending on where they happen there can be anything up to 50,000 people affected - households and businesses, including many with additional needs.”

Environment Minister Eamon Ryan asked Mr O’Rourke to disclose the finer points linked to Meath’s water related issues, stating the case would be raised with the relevant minister.

Research from the Irish Independent revealed that more than €30,000 was being spent each month fixing leaks and carrying out maintenance work to public water supplies across county Meath.

ByEoinRyan

Cllr. Nick Killian said the lack of communication from Uisce Eireann has been frustrating to both councillors and the public.

“I realise there are techni-

a real problem,” Killian said.

This in response to when Uisce Éireann recently met with Meath Councillors and TDs where they discussed these supply issues and the

cal issues, and that the new reservoir will have a 24 hour reserve, but the delay in getting the project finished and the lack of communication is

changes that will be made regarding them.

They announced a strategic project representing an in-

vestment of €60 million to deal with water outages and in order to provide a safe and reliable water supply.

The plans, which are for Navan’s current wastewater facility, include a new wastewater pumping station as well as an underground emergency storage tank.

The development also comprises above ground structures including other tanks, surge vessels and equipment alongside an assortment of infrastructure. Other water and sewerage infrastructure include the provision of a gravity sewer and a watermain from the roundabout to the proposed pumping station.

“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,” Cathaoirleach of Meath Cllr.Tommy Reilly said.

They blamed the ageing water network, old infrastructure and lack of treated water reservoirs, for supply disruptions in the Ratoath and Ashbourne districts. Extreme weather such as Storm Isha which caused water outages in several areas across Ireland only made the situation even worse.

“We recognise the inconvenience that these unplanned outages are having on the local community and are making every effort to address the challenges in Meath in the short, Con’d page 2

ByDanielDoyle

ByEoinRyan

ByAodhanTomkins

ByAodhanTomkins

ByKateHawkins

ByMatthewSharkey

CLLR TOMMY REILLY ACCUSES BOLIDEN TARA MINES OF POLITICAL GAMES

ByDanielDoyle

ByEoinRyan

ByMatthewSharkey

ByEoinRyan

We are delighted to announce the return of County Meath’s biggest St. Patricks Day Festival on Sunday the 17th March 2024. We are currently making plans for this year’s Festival and we need your help to make it great. As usual, we will have Kiddies Funfair, Artisan Food Stalls and many other attractions. The Star of

the Day will be our St. Patricks Day Parade featuring local groups, businesses and sports clubs.

This year’s theme is Sharing our Planet. Community groups, sports clubs and voluntary organisations can all enter free of charge and businesses can enter the parade starting at

It’s Back

just €100 per entry. This year we have including more musical participants in the Parade than previously to ensure the Parade is a lively event.

This year, we are starting things a little earlier with the market stall and music commencing at 11am and the Parade will commence at 12.45pm. Mass goers

to the 12.30pm service are asked to park in the Supervalu car park and make the short walk to the Church. Vehicles carrying people unable to make the short walk will be escorted to the Church Car Park and are asked to arrive no later than 12.15pm

We are delighted to confirm High Street Ash-

bourne as our lead sponsor and thank them for their continued support. This year we are recognising the many years of work by the members of the ADCC by having them as our Grand Marshal

As ever, this year’s parade will only happen with the generous help of local volunteers. Please

can you donate some of your time to invest in making this a Special Day for the Ashbourne Community? If you are interested in participating in this year’s parade, please email us at info@ashbournechamber.ie or Whatsapp us on 0879877219 or 0876117669. Follow Ashbourne Chamber on Facebook