People in Kilkenny village currently 'can’t even build a house'

People in Mullinavat 'can't even build a house' at present due to the poor water infrastructure in the area, according to local councillor Eamon Aylward.

Cllr Aylward made the remark at the most recent meeting of Piltown Municipal District.

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"We've been looking for a sewerage upgrade in Mullinavat for ten years," he told elected members.

"You can’t even build a house in the village because of the way the system is at the moment."

Irish Water became a focal point of discussion after Cllr Pat Dunphy stated that the water utility company had turned down an invitation to attend a future meeting of Piltown Municipal District.

"Mooncoin has more leaks than almost any other part of the country," Cllr Dunphy said, and "in their letter in response Irish Water have shown no acceptance to attend a meeting with us."

Cllr Dunphy further stated that the advice given to councillors by Irish Water was to attend local Irish Water consultations and councillor clinics instead.

To that, Cllr Eamon Aylward described the advice as 'a waste of time'.

"I give up going to them," he said.

"This communication issue between local councillors and Irish Water can be found right across the country. In an overall context access to Irish Water needs to be improved and that's something that's being worked on at present in conjunction with AILG (Association of Irish Local Government)."

Cllr Fidelis Doherty stated that 'they [Irish Water] must recognise there’s an issue here, they should just meet the cause and have the conversation and deal with it'.

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Cllr Ger Frisby concurred with the speakers, adding that 'there has to be pressure kept on Irish Water the whole time'.

"We can see the benefits of improved water infrastructure at present in Slieverue," he said, "but it's not good enough that it’s not being done in other areas where it's badly needed."

Cllr Tomás Breathnach further added to the discussion, stating that 'what’s important from a South Kilkenny perspective is input into review of Irish Water investment programme'.