COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

MOTION NO.9

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

Cathaoirleach's Business

That the Area Committee request South Dublin County Council to explore how best to communicate with residents regarding the issue of discoloured water, ensuring they are fully informed of the causes and appropriate steps to take when experiencing this problem. While SDCC no longer has a direct role in the management of water services, and Irish Water (Uisce Éireann) is in full control, the Council still has a responsibility to advise residents on such issues. Our offices should also serve as a channel to relay these concerns back to Irish Water to ensure prompt investigation and resolution. Additionally, the committee requests that Irish Water confirm what specific actions they are taking to prevent the illegal use of public hydrants by third parties, which has been identified as the cause of recent water discoloration in Finnstown Abbey, Lucan. Given that this issue has been ongoing for some time, it is of serious concern that such unauthorised actions continue to affect residents' water supply.

REPORT:

Uisce Éireann is fully responsible for the delivery of public water services.  Any issues regarding water quality should be reported to Uisce Éireann at the earliest opportunity so they can investigate and respond.  Contact details for reporting anything related to public water supply are on their website www.water.ie and information regarding water quality is also available there.

SDCC is aware of reports of water supply issues related to unlicenced use of hydrants in the area, and it would be advisable for Uisce Éireann to put in place a licencing system for such activity.  SDCC used to operate such a licencing system until 2014, which was quite effective in controlling hydrant usage and other temporary water supplies, and directing operaters not to use hydrants in areas that may affect residents water supplies.

Members are reminded that Uisce Éireann have a Local Representative Support Desk which can be contacted at localrepsupport@water.ie