I took part in a meeting with Uisce Éireann/Irish Water in February to raise issues that have been raised with me by residents in our area over recent months.
The issues I raised on your behalf and the responses I received:
- Communication: Following the issues that happened in particular with Glencairn, The Gallops, Levmoss and Leopardstown Valley, I raised with Irish Water that the advance notice given wasn’t good enough. They committed to improving their communications in future.
- Air locks due to lack of communication on water turn-offs: I raised the lack of support for residents affected by water restrictions and asked that Uisce Éireann employ plumbers to fix issues in such cases. In some instances residents had to hire plumbers at their own expense to fix air locks caused by the water restrictions.
- Stillorgan reservoir: Uisce Éireann have sole responsibility for the Stillorgan Reservoir, which is a large facility right next to the Luas line between Stillorgan and Sandyford stops. I again raised with Uisce Éireann that the Stillorgan Reservoir with all of its open green spaces could be a valuable public amenity. Their response: they are developing their future plans for the reservoir which includes more water operations at the location. They will consider opening parts of it up to the public as part of these plans.
- Drinking water fountains: drinking water fountains in public areas depend on Irish Water connections. I have ensured that there are funds set aside for the council to install water fountains but there has been lack of action from the officials in spending that money. At the Uisce Éireann meeting it was very frustrating to hear that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown are the only council in Dublin not working with Uisce Éireann on rolling out drinking fountains. This is something that I will follow up with council officials on, as it’s not right that we are excluded from the roll-out of new water fountains.
- Path reinstatement and traffic management during works: I raised the issues of reinstating paths and roads following works on water infrastructure. I also raised the issue of traffic management during works, which often de-prioritises pedestrians and cyclists by closing footpaths and cycle tracks. Uisce Éireann officials accepted they could improve in these areas and asked for instances to be raised with them as they occur.
I’m sure there are many many more water related issues in Ballinteer, Ballyogan, Leopardstown, Glenamuck, Glencullen, Kilternan, Sandyford and Stepaside that you would like raised with Uisce Éireann/Irish Water. Please let me know what issues you would like to raise and I will get answers on your behalf:
You can also contact Uisce Éireann/Irish Water directly, their contact details are here. Updates on local water issues are also available here on their website.
