RIP Laura Buckley Noonan
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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Water is being brought in on trucks to supply a near empty Laois reservoir, while two new wells bored by Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) are lying idle, a local councillor claims.
Water levels have been at "dangerously low" levels several times this winter, in the East Laois areas of Crettyard and The Swan.
Householders were told repeatedly in December and January to conserve their water. They were even faced with the possibility of having water turned off on Christmas Day.
Cllr Ben Brennan has called on Laois County Council to push for investment by the water company.
"We were told we could have to turn off the water on Christmas Day. At this stage we're drawing water from a reservoir to Wolfhill, it doesn't make sense.
"Wells were bored and they are lying idle. Irish Water go on the television about the great work they are doing. They could do something very simple. All they have to do is put in a treatment system. There's enough water in Tolerton to supply all of Laois.
"I feel so ridiculous at times putting up notices to conserve water in the middle of winter. People hammer me and they are probably entitled to do so," he said.
He told the Leinster Express / Laois Live more about the problem, speaking after the meeting.
Cllr Brennan said that about 1100 or 1200 people live in the affected rural areas. He said that three wells were bored, but only one has been commissioned for use.
"I'm getting calls from Irish Water to put notices on Facebook to ask people conserve water. They could spend €40,000 on a filtration system. it's an old system, they haven't upgraded it," he claimed.
Four notices to conserve water and check for leaks were issued in December and January.
The reservoir was "dangerously low" and down to 1 metre.
During the cold spell of January, Cllr Brennan stated "if the reservoir goes much lower they said they will have turn off the water at night. Sorry for the bad news."
Uisce Éireann has been asked for their comments on the issue.
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