Memories of the weeks spent with no water in our taps following the burst water main at Staleen in July 2017 are still strong locally and many people in Drogheda have expressed concerns about the effect that all of the new houses being built in Drogheda will have on future water and wastewater services.
Following a session he chaired earlier today between Uisce Eireann and Louth County Council in County Hall, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr. Kevin Callan says he is extremely concerned about the capacity and future provision of water services and wastewater in the county.
Councillor Callan told Drogheda Life that the officials from Irish Water who attended today’s meeting were not in a position to provide clarity on where the county is at in terms of providing water supplies to new homes.
“My questions were partly answered where a figure of approximately 2,000 new homes could be facilitated in Dundalk but we also heard that Blackrock supply may be switched to service the town of Dundalk, this is not reliable or acceptable. Blackrock is itself an area being developed with new homes.
In Drogheda we have the Northern Cross Route which can accommodate thousands of homes, these are of no use if we can’t provide water services and could have an impact on existing homes and businesses. We cannot tolerate a situation where new homes and existing homes are left with a poor service and supply.
“Louth County Council have been in touch with Irish Water flagging its concerns as a local authority and we need this matter addressed. I am also aware that there are limits of the amount of water that can be taken from the River Boyne in Drogheda and this needs to be answered categorically as to where we are.
“I am now waiting for the officials from Irish Water to come back to me with the specific figures for Drogheda and how many new homes could be serviced from the system currently.
“I am extremely concerned we will not have supply for the thousands of homes that are expected to be built. This will have an impact across the county as we surge forward to build homes that people are demanding.”
