Water Services
MINISTER COMMENDS SLIGO’S ‘SHOWCASE’ RURAL WATER PROGRAMME.
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr Dick Roche, TD., visited Sligo in July 2006 and paid tribute to the county’s busy rural water programme. Minister Roche acknowledged the excellent work carried out by Sligo County Council, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and the various group scheme committees. ‘This programme is a showcase for what can be achieved through genuine partnership and co-operation, and a beacon for others to follow. It is also a shining example of good design, cost effective construction and care and concern for sensitive and attractive landscapes.’
Quality Supply
Minister Roche visited a number of the new water treatment plants around the county. The recent programme of work has seen the construction of new treatment plants and the delivery of a quality water supply to twelve group schemes around the county.
The work was carried out by Treatment Services Ltd., Kilkenny. Two ‘bundles’ of contracts were signed in County Hall.
The Schemes included in the ‘Northwest Group’ are:
- Keelogaboy
- Castletown
- Drum East
- Benbulben
- Ballintrillick
- Beltra.
The schemes included in the ‘South East Group’ are:
- Geevagh/Highwood
- Culfadda
- Castlebaldwin
- Corrick
- Keash
- Doongeela.
Progressive Programme
Cathaoirleach Councillor Jim McGarry has commended the people driving ‘one of the most progressive rural water programmes in the country. While Sligo County Council and the various agencies played a hugely significant role, pride of place must go to the various group scheme committees who have worked tirelessly to deliver for their own communities. It is hard to credit that when Sligo County Council embarked on its Rural Water Programme in 1997, we received an allocation of £101,300 for that year. In 2006 this figure has grown to €5 million, and I feel this reflects great credit on the people involved - Group Scheme Committees, National Federation, Department of the Environment, and of course Sligo County Council.’
This view was echoed by the Chairman of the Sligo Rural Water Monitoring Committee, Councillor Gerry Murray…
“There is a great spirit of co-operation shown by all concerned. We are all working towards a common objective, the delivery of a quality water supply that meets the required EU standards. While many people made a valuable contribution, I have to acknowledge the central role by Liaison Officer Kathleen McTiernan, who has driven and guided the programme. Sligo County Council is now in the proud position of being one of the top local authorities in the country in terms of its rural water programme.”
Partnership
Sean Clerkin of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, acknowledged that the delivery of the new schemes was ‘real evidence of partnership at work, and right through the entire process we enjoyed full cooperation from Sligo County Council. I feel the way this programme was managed could provide the impetus for other community initiatives, for instance waste management, such is the font of goodwill that exists in the various communities.’
WATER METERING – A FAIRER WAY TO PAY
In 2006, Sligo County Council introduced a water metering programme for its non-domestic (business and farming) customers. This programme ensures that consumers will only pay for the water they use, and is therefore more equitable than the old ‘flat’ annual charge which was levied irrespective of usage.
Background
The water metering project is being undertaken as part of the Government’s ‘Water Services Pricing Policy.’ The new policy will ensure that consumers will enjoy the benefit of a fair and equitable charging system, in that they will only pay for water they consume.
The charge will only relate to the non-domestic element of the water supply i.e. business, farming, institutions, and all connections not strictly for domestic use. Local Authorities are prohibited by law from charging for a domestic supply.
A fairer way to pay
The existing system of charging for water involves a flat rate for each category of connection irrespective of usage. The charge is exactly the same within each category regardless of the amount of water that is actually used.
An important concession under the new arrangement is that water users who have supplies with a domestic element will benefit from a domestic allowance. For example, this will apply in the case of a farmer whose house and land are on the same connection, or where a shop and living accommodation are in one premises.
Water conservation
An important benefit of the new water metering system is that it provides an incentive for consumers to identify and eliminate leaks. Any leakages detected and repaired between the public water main and the house, farm, etc could result in a substantial savings. For instance, it is not practical to use treated water for all farmyard purposes, (e.g. cleaning out yards) and farmers are encouraged to explore means of capturing rainwater as a more economical alternative.
Information days
Sligo County Council hosted a series of ‘Open Days’ throughout the county in May 2006 to advise the general public on the new water metering system, to address any concerns people had, and to promote the very important area of water efficiency actions.
GROUPS SCHEMES TAKE THE LEAD IN WATER CONSERVATION
A €2.8m contract will be of major benefit to Group Water Schemes in their efforts to address the ongoing issue of water conservation.
The contract for the metering of Private Group Water Schemes and Critical Mains Replacement was signed at County Hall, and this development was welcomed by the Chairman of Sligo’s Rural Water Monitoring Committee, Councillor Gerry Murray…
‘I think the Group Schemes in County Sligo are among the most hard-working and progressive in the country. Over the next few weeks the work on the development of eleven new schemes will be completed, and this will see a quality water supply delivered to around 2,000 households, and also a number of farms, businesses and schools.’
Sligo County Council’s Liaison Officer for Group Schemes, Kathleen McTiernan commended the Group Schemes for the active way in which they addressed the issue of water conservation. ‘We have an excellent working relationship with the various Group Scheme Committees. They share our objective to improve water efficiency by identifying and implementing a series of water conservation measures, whether in the home, in the business or on the land.’
The €2.8m metering and critical mains contract was awarded to Carty Contractors, Sligo.
