Kilkenny water quality a major concern as pressure levels increase on Uisce Eireann

Further local pressure has been placed on Uisce Eireann to extend the Muckalee and Radestown water supply to Castlecomer in the wake of yet more night-time water restrictions in the town.

Cllr Maurice Shortall believes now is the time for decisive action.

"I'd feel very guilty going around looking for votes in five years time if this massive issue wasn’t solved," he said.

"We (public representatives) have to be somewhat accountable along with Uisce Eireann for what goes on here," he added.

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According to Uisce Éireann, groundwater exploration has begun at two sites near the River Dinan in Castlecomer with works expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Following the completion of the exploration phase, a new infrastructure project will commence which will take until at least 2029.

Cllr Shortall expressed deep concern over the human impacts the poor water quality is having, noting the limitations it places on local business and housing expansions as well as the practical challenges in caring for children and the elderly.

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