Major Towns Like Newbridge Shouldn't Have Such "Low Quality Water" Flowing From Taps - O'Loughlin

Wednesday, 24 May 2023 15:15

By Caoimhe Harney

The issue of low quality water was raised in the Seanad.

The ongoing issue of water quality in Kildare has been raised in the Seanad following a “frustrating” period of water issues.

Local Senator Fiona O’Loughlin commented, “I have been dealing with several water quality issues around South Kildare of late.

“There have been repeat issues of bad discolouration, particularly in areas such as Drumsu in Rathangan.

"There are ongoing water pressure problems around the Baroda area of Newbridge.

“In addition, in the last few weeks, in the town of Newbridge and surrounding areas in County Kildare, many residents were forced to buy bottled water due to an overpowering smell of earth and must in the tap water.

“I have been liaising with Irish Water on the issue. It confirmed last week that specialist results received following the ongoing testing of the raw water indicated the presence of low levels of a substance called geosmin," she explained.

"Irish Water said it is not harmful, but it is absolutely not acceptable to have water of such low quality flowing out of the taps in a major town like Newbridge.

"It is regrettable that we cannot have a back-and-forth debate in the Oireachtas when dealing with Irish Water, to really tease out issues and flag problems.

“Irish Water needs to do more in terms of contingency planning, in my view, and to have a plan B in areas where our major water supply is compromised," she added.

More from Local News

Judge Orders Cllr Tom McDonnell To Compensate Victim Over Property Damage In Blackrock

McDonnell claimed in court that he was a victim of "gross fraud".
Iarnród Éireann To Begin Major Accessibility Upgrade At Athy Station

During the construction period, part of the Iarnród Éireann-owned car park will be used as a construction compound, temporarily reducing parking capacity.
Two Cars Burnt Out In Sallins Overnight

No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made.
Student Plagiarism On the Rise At Maynooth University As AI Cheating Remains Unclassified

While AI tools becoming more prevalent in academic settings, the university noted that it does not have a dedicated category for AI-related cheating.
Irish Troops Play Important Role In Lebanon, Says Kildare South TD As Israel Continues To Carry Out Airstrikes

Audio

The Israeli military continues to carry out airstrikes in Beirut, along with targets in the south of the country where Irish Defence Forces soldiers are serving as part of a UNIFIL mission.
Two Schools In Lucan Evacuated Following Major Gas Leak

Scoil Aine Naofa and St Thomas' were safely evacuated this morning.
Push For Installation Of Defibrillators In Housing Estates After Maynooth Emergency Incident

Audio

In addition to pushing for defibrillators in existing estates, Cllr Feeney said AEDs should be a standard feature in new housing developments.
Picket To Take Place Outside Intel Site In Leixlip Today Over Travel Allowances

It follows Unite trade members voting for industrial action over travel time in August