Kerry TD says county is tired of promises over water infrastructure

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

A Kerry TD has called for greater commitment from the government towards the county’s ‘crumbling’ wastewater infrastructure as communities reach ‘breaking point’.

Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly said the people of Kerry are ‘tired of promises’ and deserve action after years of neglect.

The government recently approved an additional €2bn, to the already pledged €10.2bn, to upgrade water infrastructure across the country and unlock new homes.

Uisce Éireann identified 72 cities, towns and villages across Ireland as priority locations, with only Killarney picked in Kerry.

Deputy Daly said that while investment package was ‘long over-due’, it was simply ‘too little too late’.

He called for the provision of a detailed programme and timeline of works that will be carried out across Kerry over the next 5 years, and a commitment to follow them through.

“Uisce Éireann’s trumpeting of a €2 billion investment package will come as cold comfort to communities across Kerry who have spent years being held back by failing and inadequate wastewater infrastructure,” said the Deputy.

“The reality behind the headline is that towns and villages across this county are being left to stagnate while the Government and Uisce Éireann talk about future investment.”

“From Abbeydorney and Ballyduff to Castlegregory and Duagh, communities are dealing with wastewater systems that are no longer fit for purpose, preventing homes from being built, restricting economic growth and undermining the future of rural Kerry.”

Concerns have been raised previously about the ability of Killarney’s Wastewater Treatment Plant to cope with current capacity.

The Environmental Protection Agency placed the plant on its priority list in July and now the water utility seems to be following suit.

Deputy Daly, however, reminded the government that other parts of the county have plants also struggling with capacity.

All but one of the villages of North Kerry have no wastewater treatment capacity to accommodate more homes.

“While investment in Killarney is badly needed and long overdue, it cannot be used as a fig leaf to mask decades of underinvestment elsewhere,” said Deputy Daly.

“For too long, rural Ireland has been treated as an afterthought. Grand announcements and billion-euro figures make for impressive press releases, but they do nothing for communities that continue to be crippled by crumbling wastewater networks and endless delays.”

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