Shock at no money to extend public wastewater network in Leitrim towns and villages

Councillors were "shocked" by a reply at the latest Council meeting during which they were told that there is no funding measure available to community groups or local authorities to extend the public wastewater collection network in our towns and villages where there is an existing wastewater treatment facility with available capacity adding that the department has confirmed this. 

"So there's no money and that's it," said Cllr Enda Stenson who put the motion forward and expressed strong disappointment that this was the case.

He added:"I don't know what's going to happen if we need to build houses; it's all up in the air now because there is no funding for any sewerage schemes; how will we build houses or upgrade the ones we have there?"

He continued: "That's the reply from the department and I don't know where we're going with that. There is something awfully wrong and we've got to follow this up."

He continued that despite meetings with the minister the issue around sewerage problems is going unsolved. "We have to write to the department again."

Cllr Sean McGowan also voiced his concerns and said that "it's leaving communities in an awful situation" before adding that the "department has to get their thumb out and provide funding."

Cllr Mary Bohan also supported the sentiments of her fellow members. 

Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance and Director of Services, Water, Environment, Climate Action and Emergency Services said that the department is in discussions with Uisce Eireann and "it appears to be a matter between the department and Uisce Eireann."

Cllr Paddy O'Rourke said that with "everyone preaching about water quality", the funding should be provided to "put in the level of investment that is required."

Cllr Brendan Barry said that farmers are "very frustrated that they are being targeted and the derogation is being reduced to improve Ireland's water quality and here we have people on the outskirts of towns and villages who want to extend the sewer to improve water quality" and said it was "unbelievable" that there was no funding available for them. 

Cathaoirleach Cllr Justin Warnock said that this "is going to hamper any progress in rural Ireland"  because "we have to extend some of our villages and if we don't get the money, we can't."

It was decided that the members would write to the department "outlining our frustration".