Old water pumps of “social and cultural importance”

Cllr Sean McDermott asked if Leitrim County Council can investigate the possibility of preserving the old water pumps that were originally provided by the Council prior to the Group Water Schemes. Many of these pumps no longer exist but there are a few in North Leitrim that still work.
At the latest meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District, Cllr McDermott continued, “I have spoken to the council about two water pumps that are in working order in Glenfarne. In the past, these pumps were places of social and cultural importance, where people gathered daily to draw water and exchange news. These pumps can be a tourist attraction.”
A report by the Head of Finance and Water Services said that Leitrim County Council is no longer the water service authority for public water supply and all publicly in charge water supplies are under the direction and control of Uisce Eireann.
He was advised that the council will bring this matter to the attention of Uisce Eireann.
Cllr McDermott said he was concerned that the pumps would be “decommissioned and taken out of existence.”
He said worries relating to people drinking that water could be allayed by putting up a sign advising individuals not to consume the water.
He said the pumps were “drilled in the forties as a means of water before group water schemes were introduced; I think we should protect them and keep them because they are part of our culture and heritage.”