Kilkenny residents enduring ‘third world conditions’ amid ‘cartel-like behaviour’

People in County Kilkenny are enduring “third world conditions” amid “cartel-like behaviour” from Uisce Éireann, a TD has claimed.

Carlow-Kilkenny TD Natasha Newsome Drennan made the remarks during a Dáil debate on Uisce Éireann infrastructure delivery, accountability and repair timelines.

Deputy Newsome Drennan said: “The delivery of crucial water infrastructure by Uisce Éireann has been nothing short of a systematic and utter failure.

“How anyone in this Government can stand here and sing its praises is beyond comprehension.

“It is an absolute disgrace that in 2026, in a supposedly first world European state, thousands of families across Carlow and Kilkenny are forced to endure third world conditions.

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“They pay their taxes in full yet are left with a water infrastructure that belongs in the past.”

She went on to criticise Minister for Housing James Browne for how he has dealt with Uisce Éireann.

“How can the Minister stand over the cartel-like behaviour of Uisce Éireann's contractors?

“Just five years ago, installing two concrete rings cost between €5,000 and €7,000; today the same contractors charge nearly €40,000.

“A burst main used to cost €1,600; now it is between €9,000 and €10,000. If they lay one metre of concrete, they get paid for seven.

“They have vans driving around supposedly looking for leaks; in reality, it is a game of hide and seek for €1,600 per day.

“I am getting reports of contractors communicating with each other to drive up quotes as much as possible. As I said, it is cartel-like behaviour. The list goes on and on.”

Deputy Newsome Drennan expressed her frustration at what she perceives to be a waste of taxpayers’ money.

The Sinn Féin TD continued: “What is happening is nothing short of daylight robbery. It is theft of taxpayers' money.

“We must be clear in the Dáil today that what these contractors are getting away with is criminal.

“The conduct of and absence of accountability for Uisce Éireann and its handing out of contracts are a scandal waiting to break.

“As is typical of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael when it comes to public money, they squander and waste it, with little accountability until a scandal finally forces their hand.”

She concluded by calling for a full review to be launched into the contractors being employed by Uisce Éireann.

A number of other TDs also raised issues with Uisce Éireann in the aftermath of Deputy Newsome Drennan’s remarks.

Minister of State John Cummins was present in the Dáil on behalf of Minister Browne.

Minister Cummins did not provide a specific response to Deputy Newsome Drennan’s statement but did issue a general response to all TDs present.

In this, he stated: “Since the establishment of Uisce Éireann, significant improvements have been made in the delivery of water services.

“Hundreds of water and wastewater treatment plants have been upgraded along with the installation of thousands of kilometres of new or rehabilitated water mains.

“National leakage rates have been reduced and the overall quality of drinking water remains very high.

“There is, of course, more work to do and the sustained and increasing funding and support provided by the Government will enable Uisce Éireann to make continued progress in the time ahead.”

Minister Cummins concluded by saying that he is confident that with strong backing, Uisce Éireann will deliver “stronger and more resilient” wastewater services in the future.