Call for more funding for water and waste infrastructure

A call for increased investment in water supply and sewerage infrastructure in smaller towns and villages was made at last week’s Cavan County Council meeting.

“Many smaller communities are experiencing ongoing problems with water capacity, wastewater treatment, and ageing infrastructure,” Cllr Áine Smith (FF) stated.

She said these issues are “limiting housing development”, “holding back” local businesses, and “preventing” towns and villages from growing in a “planned and sustainable way”.

Cllr Smith described Milltown as a “prime example,” where a “lack” of adequate water and sewerage services has “stalled” housing and business development.

“Despite clear demand and community need,” she said.

“Lack of proper water and sewerage infrastructure is one of the biggest barriers to new housing, enterprise, and job creation in rural areas,” she said, adding that for those who want to build, “progress is often stalled because basic services are not in place.”

Cllr Smith called on Cavan County Council to write to the Minister to “prioritise” funding for water and wastewater projects in smaller towns and villages, to “work with local authorities” to address issues.

Cllr Damien Brady (SF) described the motion as “very worthy” and said that Uisce Eireann will take total control of water and wastewater systems by the end of this year, and he is “hoping” that this will lead to “major investments”.

He also agreed that Milltown “needs a sewerage upgrade now”.

Cllr Brendan Fay supported the motion, describing how “lots of small little villages are being forgotten about”.

Meanwhile, in Kingscourt, Cllr Clifford Kelly (FF) outlined that there is “a situation where the plant is totally not capable of taking anymore”.

Fine Gael councillors T.P. O’Reilly and Niamh Brady also supported the motion.