Arsenic Water Contamination In Kilteel Could Be With Us For Another Three Years, Says Naas Councillor

Some residents have been hospitalised after drinking the water.

Water Problems In Kilteel Could Be With Us For Another Three Years, says Naas Councillor Fintan Brett.

The water supply in Kilteel has become a major issue for the residents, sixty houses are connected to the group water scheme that services the area.

In January, what was effectively a “Do not use” notice was issued by Kildare County Council due to suspected arsenic poisoning in the water.

Kildare North TD James Lawless has raised the issue in In a parliamentary question in the Dáil on Thursday.

Fianna Fáil Deputy Lawless commented: "Some temporary measures were taken, including tankers being sent to the area and water being made available on a temporary basis, but we are now into May and rapidly approaching June, which is almost six months into the year, and those 60 households and all belonging to them are still grappling with this poisoned water in their homes."

Deputy Lawless said he spoke to Kilteel woman Ms Kathleen Lambe this week.

"She is a decent lady who is involved in the local arts and creative scene. More in hope than expectation that the issue had died down, she had consumed the water, perhaps mistakenly.

"She ended up in Naas hospital with suspected arsenic poisoning. Others have complained of being sick, with symptoms ranging from nausea to more serious complaints, " he explained.

"If people could connect to the mains, they would have done so years ago, in particular if that had been an option when they were building their houses. Some have access to private water wells but many do not.

"Therefore, while it is a private group water scheme, it is only so because of necessity.

"I commend the community on organising itself in this manner and making these provisions for itself. It has stood them well for many years but, unfortunately, no longer," he insisted.

Deputy Lawless has asked the Government to consider a subvention to Irish Water, Kildare County Council to remedy this situation.

Speaking on Friday morning's Kildare Today, Cllr. Fintan Brett has said the solution to this problem seems a long way out, because of the 8 mile stretch of private land, which would need to be accessed in order to connect these residents to the main water supply.

The Fine Gael Cllr. said the it was a very costly problem for the residents of Kilteel.

Listen back to the interview with Cllr.Brett here: