Councillors to press Uisce Éireann on failing water infrastructure in South Leitrim

Uisce Éireann confirmed last month that a 2.85km stretch of watermain running from Fenagh to Ardrum will be prioritised for replacement in 2026. 

While the announcement has been welcomed by South Leitrim councillors, who have long been fielding complaints about the area’s unreliable and inadequate water supply, there is broad agreement that the measure falls short of addressing the wider problem of recurring water outages.

At September’s meeting of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Gary Prior tabled a motion calling on Uisce Éireann to immediately prioritise and deliver an upgrade to the problematic section of water pipeline running from the Carrick-on-Shannon water treatment plant through to the Ardrum Reservoir in Ballinamore.

“This section of the network has been subject to constant bursts and repeated failures, resulting in ongoing disruption to households, businesses, and the wider community,” Cllr Prior’s motion stated.

“An urgent infrastructure upgrade is required to provide a reliable supply, safeguard public health, and support economic and community life to the people in the area.”

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Councillors are scheduled to meet with Uisce Éireann in Áras an Chontae in Carrick-on-Shannon, on Monday, September 8. 

Cllr Prior confirmed that he, along with other members, will be raising a number of pressing questions that need answers.

One issue he intends to highlight concerns asbestos piping. Specifically, Cllr Prior wants to know whether any sections of the line still consist of asbestos pipes, how much remains in place, and if it is still active.

Cllr Prior’s motion was seconded by Cllr Brendan Barry, who stressed that further investment and work are urgently required to tackle the wider, systemic problems in South Leitrim.

“I welcome the funding that’s been announced but for the people that’s been out of water in Coraleehan, Aughawillan and Ballinamore, the problem will still be there when that section is done,” he said.

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He also pointed out that there are at least another four kilometres of watermains in need of replacement, and that serious attention must be given to the Carrick-on-Shannon treatment plant, which is currently “not able to cope with demand.”