The Mayo News

RESIDENTS of Bofield, Bonniconlon say they will ‘ambush’ politicians in the local elections next summer – over the state of their drinking water. Residents claim Bofield water is ‘dreadful’


Emer Gallagher

RESIDENTS of Bofield, Bonniconlon say they will ‘ambush’ politicians in the local elections next summer – over the state of their drinking water.
“The water is dreadful. It is absolutely awful. If you pour the water into a white cup it looks the colour of strong tea,” said Pearse Jackson who lives in Ellaghmore.
“We had the water tested and it showed bacteria and the scheme managers have told us not to drink the water.
“We had hoped that the scheme would be upgraded as promised and we were pleasantly surprised when work started.” But now Pearse feels the work has ground to a halt. “New pipes have been laid but that is it – they are not connecting us to the scheme.”
Mr Jackson has written a letter to the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, outlining his dissatisfaction with the scheme. In his letter he stated: “It would appear that major elements of the scheme, ie water towers etc, are on hold with the allocated funding being withdrawn pending review.”
“We got an acknowledgement from the Department but we are still awaiting a more detailed response,” said Mr Jackson, who holds little hope of an immediate result due to the ‘amount of schemes in a similar position’.
“This has been going on for donkey’s years and it has been getting progressively worse with grit in the water. It has always been polluted but it is definitely polluted to a greater extent now.
“When the politicians come knocking on doors next year they will be ambushed. People are very irritated and the vast majority were delighted with the prospect of clean water but it has not happened.”
Mayo county councillor, Annie May Reape, said the scheme has been prioritised and the issue will be raised when the Ballina Electoral Area Committee meets this month.
“At the moment Mayo County Council are upgrading the scheme in order to give them a better supply. The source isn’t great and when there is heavy rain there can can be discolouration of the water. There are a lot of people affected,” said Cllr Reape.
Cllr Reape said the scheme, along with the Carra Group Water Scheme, is in line to be connected to the Ballina Main Drainage Scheme.

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