Helpline needed to tell residents about water outages across Kildare

A helpline should be set up to provide residents with information when the public water supply runs dry.

Problems associated with water outages in the Leixlip area recently led to a call from Cllr Bernard Caldwell for a stand by tanker to be provided to ensure that people have access to water.

“We need to put something in place,” he told a Kildare County Council meeting.

Cllr Naoise Ó Cearúil said two “major outages” had taken place in Maynooth alone.

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He added that while Uisce Eireann provides a good service, issues arise in emergency situations and this is partly due to increased growth.

“New housing is creating pressure," he said.

Another councillor, Nuala Killeen, said Uisce Eireann won’t send a tanker to an area unless there has been no supply for 48 hours.

But when KCC had responsibility prior to the advent of UE, a tanker would be sent to an area after six hours.

Cllr Seamie Moore said people need UE to provide more than a call centre response after hours and Cllr Suzanne Doyle commented it is not acceptable to have an area without water.

KCC official Marian Higgins said the issue is UE’s responsibility and it would be contacted.

Damage to a major trunk water main at Maynooth road, Leixlip led to a loss of supply in July and UE crews were immediately deployed to restore normal supply.

The affected areas included Leixlip town, Wonderful Barn and the Dublin-Celbridge Road.

Uisce Éireann’s Daniel Kennedy said work was done as quickly and as efficiently as possible to minimise disruption.

“We understand the inconvenience an unplanned outage can have on our customers and appreciate their patience.  We apologise to all road users impacted by the repair works and appreciate their patience and understanding,” he added.