THE drinking water supply in Ballynanty and Kileely is now expected to be restored in three months, instead of the original estimation of 12 to 18 months.
Irish Water confirmed this week that the work in both areas, where 2,500 residents are currently unable to use their tap water for drinking or cooking due to excessive levels of lead, will begin shortly and should be completed by the end of the year.
The wider programme of works to replace 60-year-old backyard service pipes in Limerick city will still take 12 months to complete at a cost of approximately €6 million.
“Irish Water is glad to report that a contractor is commencing the necessary works in Ballynanty to deal with the historical issue of backyard services, which has contributed to the exceedences of lead in the water,” a spokesperson told the Limerick Post.
“Irish Water is accelerating a major work programme of lead replacement to resolve this issue and we plan to complete this programme by the end of 2015. Irish Water is working to upgrade the treatment process locally in the coming weeks and will work with the HSE to lift the drinking water restriction notices.”
A letter issued to residents by Irish Water this week stated that construction work is expected to begin on Monday, September 1, starting with Monabraher Road.
Anti-Austerity Alliance councillor Cian Prendiville said that free bottled water should be provided to those affected, and that it should be delivered to anyone unable to collect it themselves.
“The current situation of having to buy a container, walk to the pump, fill it, and then boil that water before using it is simply not good enough. In reality, most people are currently buying water when shopping, which would end up costing them hundreds if it continues,” added Cllr Prendiville.
He concluded: “Neither should the costs for distributing water to those who can’t go to the taps themselves be left with community centres and volunteers. If money is needed to ensure regular delivery of water to those who can’t travel, then Irish Water or the State should foot the bill.”
Local Sinn Féin councillor Maurice Quinlivan has called on Irish Water to publish a list of homes across Limerick that still have lead pipes, along with a proposal on how to deal with them “so no other areas have to go through what the residents of Ballynanty and Kileely are going through at present”.
“It is essential that this work is completed on time, that the local people affected need to be fully updated as to when exactly work to replace these lead pipes in their homes will be started and completed,” said Cllr Quinlivan.
