No 'quick fix' to solving Mayo community's water supply problems

Mayo County Council has confirmed that it is to apply for emergency funding to help solve problems surrounding the Ballycroy Group Water Scheme but warned it won't be a 'quick fix'.

The Ballycroy Group Water Scheme has undergone a number of problems over the last number of months which almost resulted in water being cut off to customers due to payments arrears to the contractor of the local water treatment plant.

Members of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District were given an update at the December meeting and they heard that a new chairman has been appointed to the Ballycroy GWS committee and a caretaker is being recruited.

Michael Heneghan, the new Head of Water Services with Mayo County Council said that what occurred in Ballycroy shows what can happen when a committee is 'not vibrant and active' but steps are in place to address issues.

“It was getting very serious and to a point where the water was going to be turned off. I intervened in November and had a meeting with that contractor and got to a point where the water is being produced and there is a payment plan in place. Ballycroy is slowly but surely coming in line with the steps the department and ourselves have put to them to reestablish themselves as a bonafide entity.

“This isn't going to be quick and will take time. But the immediate and long term goal is here and the outcome is to take it in charge,” he said.

The Ballycroy GWS services has up to 400 connections spread over a sparse and challenging terrain and Mr Heneghan acknowledged that the network is from a 1970s vintage and 'worse for wear'.

He explained that the Ballycroy committee didn't apply for multi annual rural water programme funding and as a result it was not eligible for capital intervention money. He said that capital funding is critical and an application for emergency funding has been applied for to engage a consultant engineer to draw up a comprehensive report which he said will form the basis of an application to the department by the middle of next year.

“From there on we can start getting the funding that Ballycroy really needs,” he explained. “We need more money from the department and we will push on stage by stage. There is no quick fix but in the meantime if we have to get tankers out there we will. We are always winning to help and do whatever we have to do to get over this very challenging time.

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“I am acutely aware of the problems. I get emails everyday of the week from people who are elderly and vulnerable and sick and we will do whatever we can.

“Ultimately we will have to get to a point where the department gives us the funding we need to get Ballycroy back as a fully functioning group scheme again,” he said.

Achill-based councillor Paul McNamara welcomed the work done by Mr Heneghan in Ballycroy since he took up his position and that water tankers will be available in the event of a large water burst.