The Laois woman driving the way to better Irish water via Kilkenny

Abbeyleix woman Áine Butler lives her life at a fast pace.

A scientist with Uisce Éireann by profession, the mother of three spends a lot of her spare time running, coaching, cycling, golfing and hillwalking!

66 acres of land leased in three separate lots at Kilkenny auction

Good demand for land leasing at present says auctioneer

Áine’s husband Tom is a primary school teacher and educational psychologist and the couple live with their three sons in Kilsheelan, Clonmel.

Áine is proud to be part of an organisation that is a diverse and inclusive place to work and one that develops and grows female talent by supporting employees in their career progression. 

Áine has personally benefited from the concerted effort at Uisce Éireann to support employees in their career development.

She now works as Drinking Water Compliance Co-Ordinator for the South of Ireland which includes all of Munster and South Leinster.

“I joined Uisce Éireann in 2018 as a compliance analyst and during that five years I have progressed to Process Optimisation Specialist and onto my current role as Drinking Water Compliance Co-Ordinator,” explained Áine who works from the Uisce Éireann office in Kilkenny and on sites around the region.

Áine was seconded from Tipperary County Council to Uisce Éireann five years ago. She knew instantly that it was an organisation she wanted to have a permanent role in.

“I wanted to progress my career and enjoyed working with water during my time in Tipperary County Council. A few colleagues had gone before me and were positive about their experiences of joining the utility. I wanted a change and the move has presented me with a many opportunities. While I might only be here for five years, I have already moved around and progressed and that is very much part of the ethos here.

“Employees are supported and encouraged and there is a lot to be thankful for in that regard. I still see plenty of prospects for continued progression within the company. As someone who is working for over 30 years, I feel it says a lot about the organisation that I still see great opportunities for myself with Uisce Éireann in the years ahead,” she said.

The variety of the job is something that appeals to Áine. Her work involves preparing Drinking Water Safety Plans for drinking water supplies across the region. The aim is to protect human health by identifying and managing risks to water quality from source to tap.

Jack Conan wary of England backlash as Ireland close in on Six Nations glory

“Our team identifies the hazards, risk assess the treatment process and then prepare action plans for the hazards identified in water treatment,” she explained.

In 2001, Aine joined Tipperary County Council where she worked as a Process Technician in Water Services. Having spent years working in the water services section in South Tipperary providing technical advice, Aine knew that working with water was something she wanted to continue doing. She brought that vast expertise in water services across to what was then Irish Water in 2018.

Áine is keenly aware of the importance of continuing to improve herself both personally and professionally. 

During her time with the council she continued to add to her qualifications and professional development, attaining an Honours Science Degree through the Open University.  She’s keen too to give back to her community and leads a Fit4Life group at Clonmel AC, leading sessions that cater for variable levels of fitness.

“I started running about 15 years ago, when the boys were small to get fit. I joined Fit4Life then and progressed to becoming a leader. We meet once a week, we’re a small group but I get as much out of it as they do. It’s a mix of men and women. I’m also trying to play golf and am a member of Clonmel Golf Club. Saturday morning is my morning to get out and play golf. I can’t say I’m improving any, but a lot of it is about getting out and trying my best!”

For Áine, that balance of work and play is the key to her success as she continues her efforts to safeguard Ireland’s water supply as a valued member of the Uisce Éireann team.