‘Villages are going to die’ in Kilkenny

A chorus of concern rang out inside County Hall earlier this week when it was revealed that the delivery of numerous vital water infrastructure projects in towns and villages across Kilkenny could be years and years away.

The meeting heard that under the Uisce Éireann ‘Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme’, the number one priority in Kilkenny (Bennettsbridge) may not see works starting until post-2029.

This in-turn means that other towns and villages further down on that priority list (such as Paulstown, Piltown, Fiddown, Glenmore, Windgap, Dungarvan and Inistioge) may face even longer delays in the delivery of vital water infrastructure.

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This update was relayed by Director of Services at Kilkenny County Council, Tim Butler who explained that wastewater issues are ‘a serious problem in this county’.

Kilkenny County Council requires that development in all main settlements connect to public waste water treatment facilities, subject to sufficient capacity being available.

In many of the county’s small towns and villages, full capacity has been reached, meaning that new housing units and buildings requiring a public water connection cannot proceed.

Cllr Deirdre Cullen, from Bennettsbridge, expressed her shock upon hearing the news.

“This doesn’t just impact Bennettsbridge but the entire county,” she said. “It’s discouraging one-off rural housing. We cannot build one block in Bennettsbridge without this going ahead. Down the line it will inevitably impact our schools, clubs and future viability of our villages.”

Cllr Michael Doyle agreed with Cllr Cullen, stating that ‘we can’t lock in rural Kilkenny for 10 years’.

“We need to do what we can as a council to move this issue forward,” he added.

Director of Services, Tim Butler, responded to the comments by stating that delays in the delivery of water infrastructure to smaller towns and villages is a ‘national problem’.

“Our number one project will be waiting five or six years,” he said. “This doesn’t facilitate development.”

Mr Butler stated that the local authority will try to apply pressure through the County and City Management Association (CCMA).

Cllr Eugene McGuinness stated that Uisce Éireann is ‘underfunded’ and the effect this could have on future housebuilding targets.

Cllr Pat Dunphy contributed the most poignant remark, stating that ‘an awful lot of villages are going to die and we’re left here standing looking at it’.

He called for contact to be made with Uisce Éireann in a bid to seek further clarity on timelines.

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