Uisce Éireann to meet Tipperary TD's on Clonmel water crisis

Tipperary TDs are to meet with Uisce Éireann on Tuesday morning to discuss the Clonmel water crisis.

The meeting was set up by the Save Our Water community group following a recent public meeting held in Clonmel to discuss regular water outages and the imminent closure of the Poulavanogue water supply, forcing thousands of householders to use the hard water Monroe water supply.

“Uisce Éireann is taking an action which undermines the long term secure access to a local water supply. We believe passionately in securing access to water. We need to future plan for drought, storms etc. Why is Uisce Éireann closing access to an existing resource to treat water? Who will benefit?" asked Joe Hawkins, who organised the public meeting.

The local community group is calling on Uisce Éireann to give a guarantee that they will maintain the supply at Poulavanogue. They are also calling on the organisation to merge the soft water supply of Poulavanogue and the hard water supply of Monroe through the Ragwell Reservoir. This action would save local residents thousands of euros in water filters and softeners, supporting local business and alleviating potential financial hardship on residents.

“Uisce Éireann has repeatedly stated that they are seeking to improve the long term access to water; however, the proposed plans signal a continued mismanagement of a precious resource,” said Joe Hawkins.