COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

MOTION NO. 15

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

"That the Chief Executive provides a full report on the recent low water pressure being experienced by residents of Adamstown SDZ (eg Castlegate, Adamstown Avenue, The Paddocks), including any liaison with Irish Water and clarify that these issues have now been identified and dealt with and systems put in place to prevent them happening again."

REPORT:

Irish Water was designated as the Water Services Authority on 1st January 2014. This made them responsible for the management of the Drinking Water and Foul Drainage Networks

Local Authorities including SDCC currently continue to deliver some of the water and wastewater functions on behalf of Irish Water through a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with them. Irish Water assign works to SDCC by raising Work Orders through their systems, this enables them to track works that we carry out on their behalf. We have been directed by Irish Water to refer all customer enquires to the Irish Water call centre so that they can track customer requests, queries and complaints.

As part of the SLA, SDCC was asked to investigate complaints from members of the public and elected representatives in realtion to reports of low water pressure in the estates mentioned in the Motion (Castlegate, Adamstown Avenue, The Paddocks).

Upon investigation it was found that the water pressure in the public watermains was significantly above the minimum Irish Water target of 1.5 bar. Readings were recorded consistently in the range of 1.8 to 2.0 bar. It is believed that the water pressure one is a private side matter. We understand that Irish Water were in direct consultation with the residents and developers in the area in this regard.

At the time of the reported low pressure, SDCC was also carrying out a significant new connection on behalf of Irish Water in the area. This necessitated an alternation in the water supply route which resulted in a marginal reduction in water pressure. However, readings taken in the area indicated that the water pressure remained significantly above the IW minimum target level of 1.5 bar, albeit below levels previously available. That connection has been completed, the original supply route restored and the water pressure returned to the previous, marginally higher levels.

Members are reminded that Irish Water have established a Local Representatives Service Desk which is committed to giving speedy responses to Elected Officials.

This Service Desk can be contacted at localrepsupport@water.ie or at 1890 178 178

"That the Chief Executive provides a full report on the recent low water pressure being experienced by residents of Adamstown SDZ (eg Castlegate, Adamstown Avenue, The Paddocks), including any liaison with Irish Water and clarify that these issues have now been identified and dealt with and systems put in place to prevent them happening again."