‘Utter disgust’: TDs hit out at water issues in Kilkenny village

Fianna Fáil TDs for Carlow-Kilkenny John McGuinness and Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere have criticised Uisce Eireann and called for action in what Deputy McGuinness called “a shocking and disgraceful failure” to respond to public concerns regarding the water infrastructure in Inistioge and surrounding communities.

Deputy McGuinness attended a public meeting in Inistioge earlier this month, where residents expressed frustration at the ongoing deterioration of water services, lack of investment and delays affecting water and wastewater upgrades.

“The turnout was huge, and rightly so,” Deputy McGuinness said. “This community has been struggling with water issues for years”.

“There is chronic underinvestment, ongoing pollution concerns and young couples are being denied planning permission because the water and wastewater symptoms are simply not fit for purpose. The people of Inistioge deserve better”.

Deputy Cleere raised the issue in a Dáil debate this week saying the “village is being strangled at the moment because there is a lack of infrastructure there, and a huge issue regarding the wastewater treatment plant, which absolutely needs to be upgraded”.

“It has been on the Irish Water and Kilkenny County Council list for the past number of years. It has been ranked second but demoted to fourth and fifth. In order for this village to grow and help the schools, GAA clubs, the pubs and the shops, we need this wastewater treatment upgraded.”

“I implore the Minister to do everything he can to get this treatment plant upgraded as soon as possible and as a massive priority for this Government," he added.

Deputy McGuinness stated that he raised all issues from the public meeting directly with Uisce Eireann shortly after, but no reply has yet been received.

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“I am absolutely disgusted that Uisce Éireann has failed to respond,” he said. “Their inefficiency and their total lack of understanding of the gravity of this matter is unacceptable.” 

“This is a State-funded entity that can’t even answer basic queries about failing infrastructure, raw sewage discharges, or overdue investment. Residents are left in limbo, and the environmental impacts continue unchecked,” he outlined.

Deputy McGuinness also raised the issues with Kilkenny County Council and is demanding urgent action from Uisce Éireann on two fronts. 

These are urgent improvements to the Inistioge water supply, including upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant and clear movement on the €5.2 million allocated for works in Bennettsbridge, Woodstock and other areas of Kilkenny.

“The people of Inistioge and the surrounding villages deserve a functioning, continuous and safe water supply,” he said.

“Families trying to build homes are being refused planning permission because Irish Water has failed to deliver. Local businesses and tourism are being held back. This cannot continue,” he concluded.

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