‘Like a third world country’: Elderly residents left without water on Clare–Limerick border

THE LACK of a reliable water supply for elderly households along the Clare–Limerick border was highlighted by Clare councillor Patrick O’Gorman, who said that "in this day and age, it’s like a third world country."

Cllr O’Gorman raised the ongoing issue affecting a series of houses located along the dual carriageway in Cratloe at the January meeting of Clare County Council.

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Cllr Patrick O’Gorman highlighted the longstanding problem in response to a motion from fellow Fianna Fáil councillor Alan O’Callaghan regarding group water schemes in Ireland.

Cllr O’Callaghan said that, "given the continued prominence of group water schemes across the country and the ongoing issue of billing for water quality testing, greater collaboration between local authorities and Irish Water was needed to provide support and, where possible, accelerate the process of taking these schemes in charge."

Cllr O'Gorman explained that there are seven or eight houses along the main road in Cratloe, that despite having Group Water Schemes "on either side of them" in Portdrina and Ballymorris, they cannot "tap" into them "because it would mean opening up the dual carriageway and the NRA (National Roads Authority) will not allow this to happen."

He also explained that these houses also do not have any connection to "a mains from Irish Water."

Cllr O'Gorman detailed how the NRA have "put every obstacle in the way", noting that there was one occasion they believed they would gain access to a Group Water Scheme when their contractor was told he would have to "work through the night" however they were also told the works would require "millions and millions of euro's of an insurance policy just to take it on."

Despite initial hope, the houses were never connected to a scheme at the time.

Cllr O'Gorman noted that the residents of the houses "are elderly at this stage" and they "are trying to keep water going as best they can."

"They have to turn if off some nights, the pump, because the well isn't sufficient enough to keep them all going" he added.

Cllr O'Gorman that he will be pursuing finding a solution for these houses with Clare County Council.

Uisce Eireann (Irish Water) received criticism elsewhere during the meeting for not taking in charge of various Group Water Schemes around the county despite some reaching the thresholds over 16 months ago.

Cllr O'Callaghan said that they are "fluting around" taking in charge of the schemes, with councillor Michael Shannon, saying they are "at a deficit of investment from Irish Water for decades."

Councillor O'Callaghan also raised the issue of people who joined the management teams of Group Water Schemes years ago, are still receiving bills noting one constituent who got billed €1,045 for water quality testing, despite not having an active role in the committee anymore, and how "bills are coming out to people who are deceased" in some cases.

In  a written response, A/Senior Engineer Tom Mellett said the decision to take group water schemes in charge “rests solely with Uisce Éireann as the national water authority.”

He outlined that Clare County Council’s Rural Water Team is responsible for administering the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2024–2026, which has allocated €24 million in funding to 33 group water schemes in Clare for infrastructure upgrades.

Mr Mellett said the funding will allow schemes to meet Uisce Éireann’s threshold for taking in charge, with the Rural Water Team working directly with group chairpersons and secretaries to progress projects.

He added that the team liaises with Uisce Éireann to ensure schemes move through the process “in line with its procedures and without unnecessary delays.”

Addressing concerns around water quality testing, Mr Mellett said testing is carried out by the council’s Environment Laboratory Team, with testing parameters and frequency overseen by the EPA under the Drinking Water Regulations 2023.

He confirmed that Clare County Council is required to submit test results to the EPA annually, and that the cost of testing can be recouped by group water schemes through the annual subsidy application process.

He added that any group water scheme requiring assistance with applications can contact the Rural Water Team for support.