Mains water supply pipes running through the back gardens of 22 houses in Desmonds Avenue here in Castleisland is causing a delay in the mains replacement work with the design stage now expected to take until April or May to complete.
“Funding has been allocated for the design stage of mains replacement at Desmonds Avenue with the design completion expected in early April/May,” according to Cllr. Jackie Healy-Rae.
Leaders Question Time in Dáil Éireann
He received confirmation of the news from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien who was replying to questions posed by Cllr. Healy Rae’s father Michael Healy-Rae, TD to the Taoiseach at a recent Leaders Question time.
However, it was learned that a total replacement of pipes for the Castleisland estate proceeding to construction, after design has been completed, is dependent on customer sign up as the existing mains is running through the back gardens of 22 of the properties.
Kerry County Council Awareness
In mid-September, residents of Desmonds Avenue made Kerry County Council aware of water quality issues caused after a burst main.
Following the receipt of complaints, the council on behalf of Irish Water undertook an investigation and on October 9th samples were taken.
The result of a sample taken at a kiosk at the entrance to the estate was compliant for iron concentration levels, however the results of a sample taken from a tap to the rear of one of the properties was non-compliant.
Impacted by Iron Levels
“Kerry County Council estimate that 10 out of the 34 properties in the Estate are potentially impacted by the elevated iron levels,” said Cllr. Healy Rae.
“Irish Water consulted with the HSE following this water quality result, as is required by the drinking water regulations.
“The HSE has examined the case and has not recommended the need for ‘Do Not Consume’ notices at this time.
“Irish Water is working with Kerry County Council to resolve this issue as soon as is practicable and is keeping the HSE and the EPA informed of monitoring results.”
Sampling Limited by Restrictions
“Further monitoring and investigation are being undertaken by Kerry County Council, noting that there are limitations given as sampling from a customer’s tap is currently prohibited due to restrictions.”
Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae and Deputy Michael Healy Rae welcomed the fact that funding has been allocated for the design stage of mains replacement but urged progress on the work.
Job More Urgent than Most
“This matter is of a lot more urgency than some other projects at the moment and every effort should be made to ensure that the residents of Desmond’s Avenue feel safe about the water they are using. The fear is that a resolution is still a long way off,” they said.
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