Sinn Féin Cllr for Dublin Mid-West Mark Ward has welcomed the news that Lucan and North Clondalkin are back on the Ballymore Eustace Water Supply, and has urged Irish Water to make this a permanent fixture going forward.

Speaking today, the Dublin Mid-West by-election candidate said;

“I want to welcome the news that North Clondalkin and Lucan are finally back on the Ballymore Eustace water supply. This is long overdue and long may it last.

“In the aftermath of Storm Emma in March 2018, Irish Water switched the supply of water to parts of Clondalkin and Lucan from Ballymore Eustace to Leixlip water treatment plant on a temporary basis.

“This decision was made after the cold snap led to burst pipes due to poor investment in water infrastructure.

“These areas were then left in short supply and restricted access to water. Twenty months later and this temporary measure has finally been resolved

“Residents across Clondalkin and Lucan raised concerns about the change in quality of water. This has led to complaints in increased turbidity. Turbidity is a measure of the total suspended solids in the water, the murkier it seems, the higher the turbidity levels.

“In addition to changing how the water looks there had also been numerous reports of grit particles and a change of taste to the water, with scum like substances appearing.

“The hard water from Leixlip also damaged electrical appliances such as kettles and showers. The reality is, some residents were forced to buy bottled water well before the boil water notices were even announced.

“There is enough water in Ballymore Eustace which is supplied by Poulaphouca hydro station to supply the whole of South County Dublin, if seasonally adjusted.

“I am calling on Irish Water and the Department of Local Government to invest in our water infrastructure to ensure that people will no longer be faced with sub-standard water services.

“The people in Clondalkin, Lucan and Palmerstown can finally return to the quality of water that they originally enjoyed and deserve.”