These Kildare residents have been boiling water for six years - and get bottled water from ESB

A group of Kildare residents who are subject to a boil water notice for six years are receiving bottled water from the ESB.

Local councillor Evie Sammon wants Kildare County Council to “seek answers” from the utility about “why KCC enforcement action” in the Poulaphouca area is not being pursued.

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She also asked why an agreement to construct new watermains, to be taken charge by Uisce Éireann, “has not commenced after six years of residents enduring a boil water notice.”

Cllr Sammon said over 40 people are affected, many of them elderly and they have to boil water to brush teeth, clean vegetables and make tea.

KCC said the following response was received  from the ESB: “Uisce Éireann are the appropriate body to own and operate public water mains. In 2023, ESB submitted a connection application to Uisce Éireann to take in charge or replace the water mains in the vicinity of Poulaphouca which are currently owned and operated by ESB. Uisce Éireann and ESB are currently working together to establish the scope of the works required to upgrade the mains to the appropriate standards.”

It also said site investigation, surveys and a design for the upgrades will proceed in 2025. And once the scope of the work is finalised “an indicative timeline for completion of the construction works will be shared with the relevant customers.”

However, Cllr Sammon said this is the response she has been getting for six years. She said KCC should ask ESB to come to an agreement with UE.

“This lies with the ESB,” she added.