Martin Ayers
Members of the Cushin Group Water Scheme, Westport are to be consulted about a proposal for Mayo County Council to take the scheme over.
At an extraordinary general meeting on Tuesday last, members were told that €250,000 had become available to the County Council. It is proposed to use the money to connect Cushin to the Mask water supply.
At present, the scheme’s water is drawn from a local lake. Although there have been improvements to the water quality in recent times, it is not of drinking quality. Many residents resort to buying bottled water.
If the County Council plan is adopted, there will be no connection charges for existing customers. However farmers will incur a standing charge. If the take-over takes place, water meters will be installed at all properties. Brenda Burke of Mayo County Council told the meeting that water usage in the area is higher than average, probably due to leakages. Logging water usage would make it easier to trace the leaks.
Members were told that work could start in September and Mask water would be available by year’s end.
If members reject the take over, local households could incur costs in future. A new licensing system for private schemes is being introduced, and secretary Rory Moore told The Mayo News “If we don’t apply for this upgrade now, in a few years we will have to apply for a licence to supply water, and it’s going to cost an awful lot of money to bring the water quality up to standard.”
At last week’s meeting, several members confirmed to the committee that they are in favour of the take-over. Undecided members will shortly be receiving a letter informing them of the proposals.
If anyone needs further information, they can contact secretary Rory Moore on 086 8432531 or treasurer Kevin Feehan on 087 2737160.