‘Major infrastructural problem blocking progress' in Leitrim

The South Leitrim water scheme, which provides water for more than two thirds of the population of County Leitrim, is currently operating at more than 100% capacity which Dáil Éireann heard will frustrate future development in the county. 

The claim was made by Leitrim TD Martin Kenny during a Dail debate on the Critical Infrastructure Bill in the past week.

The bill was brought forward by Jack Chambers TD, who is minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.

The Bill was subsequently referred to the Select Committee on Infrastructure and National Development Plan Delivery.

“The bill is a central pillar of the Government's Infrastructure reforms,” the minister told the Dail.

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“It is meant to operate at 80% capacity so there is little spare capacity, but it is operating at over 100%,” the Aughavas based Deputy claimed of the situation in Leitrim.

“If someone in the region looks for planning permission to build 100 houses, and one of the key infrastructural issues is housing, they cannot get a letter from Irish Water to say they will get water because the water is not available,” Deputy Kenny added.

“That is just one example of a major infrastructural problem that is blocking progress and people having some chance of having a home to live in. They cannot build because the infrastructure is not in place,” the Deputy continued. 

In a statement to the Leitrim Observer, Uisce Éireann said that they are, “currently progressing design works for a €30 million upgrade of the existing water treatment plant in Carrick-on-Shannon, which supplies homes and businesses across South Leitrim.”

Speaking to the Leitrim Observer about his remarks in the Dail, Deputy Kenny said that the water treatment facility in Carrick-on-Shannon is currently overworked.

“This facility takes in water from the River Shannon and processes it. Uisce Éireann have taken over group water schemes and this water is also being drawn from this facility,” he explained.

“A sister plant or a larger plant are needed,” he added.

Deputy Kenny went on to say that in the event of something going wrong, the facility is “playing catch up.”

He also believes that possible inward investment to Co. Leitrim could be lost, as a result of the over capacity issue.

“If another company the size of a Masonite wanted to locate in Co. Leitrim, there would be a serious issue in relation to water,” he commented.

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Deputy Kenny welcomed the news that Uisce Éireann are investing €30 million in the water treatment plant in Carrick-on-Shannon.

However, he refuted their claim in the statement to this outlet that, “The Carrick-on-Shannon Water Treatment Plant has not exceeded its maximum hydraulic capacity and continues to operate within all regulatory limits.”

“This is not the reality on the ground,” he stated.

In September of last year, Uisce Éireann urged people in South Leitrim to conserve water.

“Following an increase in water usage by households and businesses, coupled with water main bursts throughout September, customers are being asked to be mindful of their usage, allow supply to catch up with demand and enable reservoirs to fully replenish,” a statement on their website said.

“High usage can lead to pressure reductions which can impact the supply to customers. The South Leitrim Regional Water Scheme, which supplies customers in Ballinamore, Keshcarrigan, Drumshanbo, Carrick-on-Shannon, Mohill and Carrigallen, is experiencing increased demand. Customers can help reduce that demand by adopting simple water saving practices at home, in the garden and at work,” the statement added.

Statement from Uisce Éireann

Uisce Éireann is currently progressing design works for a €30 million upgrade of the existing water treatment plant in Carrick-on-Shannon, which supplies homes and businesses across South Leitrim.

This significant investment will increase the plant’s production capacity to cater for projected future growth in the area. The project is subject to detailed design, statutory approvals and land acquisition, with an indicative completion timeframe of 2030–2031. 

In advance of the main upgrade, Uisce Éireann will continue to deliver interim works to improve system resilience and capacity, including planned upgrades to the reservoir to increase treated water storage. 

“The Carrick-on-Shannon Water Treatment Plant has not exceeded its maximum hydraulic capacity and continues to operate within all regulatory limits. Water quality fully meets all chemical and microbiological standards,” Uisce Éireann said. 

Uisce Éireann continues to operate the treatment plant and distribution network to maintain compliance and ensure a balance between supply and demand for all customers on the South Leitrim Water Supply Zone.

Uisce Éireann says it remains committed to supporting the delivery of new homes by prioritising the development of key water services infrastructure.

* Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme