Councillor compares north Louth to Nevada desert amidst lack of water mains

The lack of a mains water supply in some areas in north Louth have seen them compared to the Nevada desert, the October meeting of the Dundalk Municipal District has heard.

Fine Gael councillor John Reilly raised the issue at the socially distanced meeting held at the An Táin Arts Centre on Tuesday. He tabled a motion seeking Louth County Council to start urgent talks with Irish Water to extend the mains supply to houses in the Faughart, Kilcurry and Roche areas.

“Kilcurry’s school water supply comes from a well. Running water is taken for granted by so many people but if you live in parts of north Louth, water is a major problem. This is not the Nevada desert,” he told the meeting.

“In 1975, a water scheme was promised to Kilcurry and Faughart. People living in this area have no alternative but to invest large amounts of money in deep wells and water treatment. Climate change and pollution leaves these wells very vulnerable in the summer time.”

Cllr Reilly asked the local authority to start a dialogue with Irish Water in relation to extending the existing mains water supply. He also asked whether a main supply could come from north of the border.

“I have friends and relations in Hackballscross who get their supply from Northern Ireland.

“I know this is not something that can be sorted overnight. It is time to address this problem and end 45 years of waiting for water.”

In a written response, Director of Services for Water Services Bernie Woods said that the local authority will raise the issue with Irish Water.