Fianna Fáil Carlow–Kilkenny TD John McGuinness has condemned Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) for what he describes as a “shocking and disgraceful failure” to respond to legitimate public concerns regarding the water infrastructure in Inistioge and surrounding communities.
Deputy McGuinness attended a well-attended public meeting in Inistioge on Monday, 10 November, where residents expressed deep frustration at the ongoing deterioration of water services, lack of investment, and the severe delays affecting water and wastewater upgrades that the area has awaited for far too long.
“The turnout was huge, and rightly so,” 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 systems are simply not fit for purpose. The people of Inistioge deserve better.”
No Response From Uisce Éireann
Deputy McGuinness confirmed that he raised all issues from the public meeting directly with Uisce Éireann on Tuesday, 11 November—but to date, no reply has been received.
“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.”
McGuinness also raised the same concerns with Kilkenny County Council.
Demand for Urgent Action
Deputy McGuinness is now demanding immediate action from Uisce Éireann on two fronts:
- Urgent improvements to the Inistioge water supply, including upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant.
- 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.
McGuinness said “the people deserve answers — and action.”
“To leave a community waiting like this, without even the courtesy of a reply, is a disgrace. I will continue to pursue this matter relentlessly until Uisce Éireann responds, takes responsibility, and delivers the investment that Inistioge and its surrounding areas deserve.” In addition, McGuinness added that he is seriously concerned over the inaction of the EPA in taking legal action against Irish Water. If the river in Inistigoe is being polluted, the public needs to know and if they are to trust the EPA, a very public legal action must be taken.
To highlight further the inefficiency of Irish Water, Deputy McGuinness says he received a very disturbing photo, (See attached), of the Castlecomer water supply, a piece of infrastructure that urgently needs to be upgraded. “Irish water must provide an analysis, now, on the feasibility of providing a water supply to Castlecomer and the affected areas from Muckalee and Radestown, as already suggested by my colleague, Clr. Pat Fitzpatrick”.
