Calls for answers and clear communication from Uisce Éireann
Councillors voice frustration and seek action on ongoing issues with water services across the county
Two Notices of Motion calling for improved communication and greater accountability from Uisce Éireann were unanimously passed at the July meeting of Tipperary County Council in Nenagh.
The first motion, tabled by Cllr Andy Moloney and seconded by Cllr Seán Ryan, called on the council to write to the relevant Government ministers seeking the reinstatement of a communication line between the local authority and Uisce Éireann until a "fit for purpose" water service is in place.
Speaking during the debate, Cllr Moloney said local knowledge remained essential in dealing with water issues. He argued that experienced council workers should be retained by Uisce Éireann for a transitional period to ensure valuable expertise was not lost. He added that the government should provide Uisce Éireann with the resources to hold onto key council workers.
The written response to councillors noted that Uisce Éireann has already provided elected members with a dedicated email address for queries. Cllr Moloney said that while Uisce Éireann has a dedicated communications line for councillors, it was not delivering the level of engagement needed: "The dedicated line is no good when it is a copy and paste answer every time. It is just not good enough." Cllr Moloney argued that the loss of direct access to experienced local personnel has created a communication gap between the utility, elected representatives and the communities they serve.
Seconding the motion, Cllr Seán Ryan said communication remained the biggest issue. “If you email Uisce Eireann, you are invariably getting a reply a week later after the event has passed,” he said. “If there is an outage on Saturday or Sunday then you are at the mercy of their general line.
Several councillors supported the motion, highlighting ongoing concerns over supply outages, boil water notices and poor communication with elected members.
Cllr Mary Hanna Hourigan described repeated difficulties in securing updates for a vulnerable resident, while Cllr Anne Marie Ryan said Tipperary Town had suffered from the loss of experienced local water staff who worked with the council but have now been redeployed to other areas in the local authority.
Responding to the motion, Chief Executive Sinéad Carr confirmed that, subject to council approval, it would be referred to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD.
She noted that Uisce Éireann already provides councillors with a dedicated email address for queries but said she had no objection to seeking improved communication, provided it did not involve council staff carrying out work on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
A second motion, proposed by Cllrs David Dunne and Anne Marie Ryan, called on senior management at Uisce Éireann to attend a plenary meeting of Tipperary County Council to provide a comprehensive update on water service issues across the county.
The motion also requested that Uisce Éireann present a clear, time-bound capital investment plan to address recurring problems including low water pressure, unplanned outages and boil water notices that continue to severely impact Tipperary residents and businesses.
Chief Executive Sinéad Carr said the council would assist in compiling member’s concerns ahead of any future engagement with Uisce Éireann. Both Notices of Motion were passed by the council.