'Fantastic' GAA club in Laois 'can't drink the water'

A Laois GAA club must continue to bring bottled drinking water as the wait goes on to connect it to a safe water supply.

Local councillors are not happy with the delay to connect Spink GAA Club's grounds and nearby residents, to Ballypickas Group Water Scheme.

A fresh motion was tabled this October at the Portlaoise Municipal District meeting, by Cllr John Joe Fennelly, who made his previous request in July.

He asked for Laois County Council to seek an update from Irish Water.

However, the council told him it is not a matter for Irish Water, or Uisce Eireann as it is now known.

Director of Services Simon Walton said that Ballypickas group water scheme will have to send in another application form.

"This project is being sought after by the group water scheme. At this point it is not a matter for Uisce Eireann. There is a new rural water programme to be announced. It was to happen way back this year. This will be an eligible scheme.

"It is the only means to secure funding that Ballypickas GWS are seeking. Once the scheme is announced, the council will invite applications. there will be a liaison officer, we will seek to progress it," Mr Walton said.

Cllr Fennelly describes the issue.

"It's a fantastic GAA club, but they can't drink the water. It is very poor quality. They have to bring their own water in. There's a few houses there and they can't drink it either. This is going on maybe six months," he said.

Cllr Barry Walsh seconded the motion.

"It's disappointing that this is not imminent. In the near future could mean anything," he said. 

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The council's water section also gave a written reply explaining the delay further.

"This project was proposed mid-way through the current Rural Water Multi-Annual Programme but did not receive DoELG (Dept of Environment and Local Government) approval. the scheme can submit an updated costed proposal for consideration in the next program, which is expected to be announced by the DoELG in the near future," engineer Tom O'Carroll said.