Fast-track water infrastructure in north Kilkenny or development will ‘come to a standstill’

Fingers have been pointed at Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water) for creating a barrier to housing development in the county.

At the recent meeting of the Castlecomer municipal district councillors, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick said there is now a major problem in north Kilkenny with the lack of houses being built. He went on to say getting water services to houses is the issue.

Planning applications are being turned down in other parts of Kilkenny for the same reason, he said.
He said he would like to see officials from the Housing and Environment Sections of the county council report on the issue to councillors.

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District chairperson, Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh, said they would do a bit of research on planning refusals in the area and the reason for that, to see if it is a water problem.

“It’s very clear, the infrastructure is not there,” Cllr Fitzpatrick said.
Housing lists are going to get larger, he warned.
He asked that the research include what the problems for planning permission are and if they are affecting both private and council developments.

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Cllr Cavanagh said she would include the matter on the municipal district’s April meeting and if it is one, single issue they will have to bring it to the notice of government.

Cllr John Brennan supported Cllr Fitzpatrick’s call.
He said at a recent Zoom meeting with Uisce Éireann the quality of water in the Castlecomer area was discussed. It’s a huge issue, he said.

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The time scale for Irish Water to invest in infrastructure in the area is five to 10 years. “We can’t wait that long,” Cllr Brennan said. “We will have to fast-track proper water development supply in the area or we will come to a standstill with development.”