WATER quality in parts of Ennis has been described as “deplorable” resulting in illness and malfunctioning appliances for concerned householders.
Homes in Ard na Greine, St Michael’s Villas and St Flannan’s Terrace have been affected by “ongoing difficulities” with the quality of their water supply a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District heard this week.
Councillor Paul Murphy highlighted the issue while urging the Ennis Municipal District and Irish Water to facilitate mains rehabilitation and road reinstatement works between Captain Mac’s Junction and Station Cross roundabout.
Ian Chaplin, Acting Senior Executive Engineer confirmed that the Ennis Municipal District and Irish Water have been in discussions and a meeting is due to take place to finalise plans for the works. He added that the council is aiming to schedule works for a time that “least inconveniences the public”.
According to Councillor Murphy these works were due to be carried out during Christmas of last year. He said that the issue needs to be dealt with “as a matter of urgency” for the Irish Water customers.
He called on the council and Irish Water to reach “an agreeable compromise” to allow the required works to be done.
“The quality of water in some dwellings is deplorable and has led to sickness and malfunctioning of dishwashers, washing machine’s etc,” he said.
Dishwashers have been blocked and clothing “destroyed” in householders’ washing machines he outlined to the meeting saying the required works need to be “prioritised”.
Councillor Pat Daly voiced his support for the motion saying it is “important the works go ahead.” He continued, “In this day and age it’s just not good enough and I’m calling on Irish Water to deal with this as soon as possible.”
Replying to the motion, Mr Chaplin stated, “Ennis Municipal District have been in discussion with Water Services and Irish Water in relation to this project.
A meeting is due to take place shortly between all parties to finalise discussions on programming, road reinstatement and timing for the works.
Ennis Municipal District would like the works to be scheduled at a time that least inconveniences the public, including local residents and commuters along the route as there would have to be road closures and diversions to allow the works to proceed.”