As Galway County Council staff work to contain and rectify a oil leak which contaminated the water supply in the Carraroe area a local councillor has called on the new Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, to ensure that the long-awaited Costello Regional Water Supply Scheme is approved as a matter of urgency.
Local Independent councillor Seosamh Ó Cuaig told the Advertiser that the problems with the water quality in the Carraroe area have gone on far too long and the only real long-term solution would be for the Costello Regional Water Supply Scheme to be set up. Cllr Ó Cuaig has confirmed that a deputation of representatives from the area is being formed to put pressure on Minister Hogan to act.
This comes after strict restrictions were imposed on the Carraroe public water supply and Camus group water scheme earlier this week as elevated levels of petrol range organics - a component of home heating oil - were detected during analysis of samples taken from the public water distribution network. Up to 5,000 people have been directed not to drink or boil tap water and not to use it for any purpose except for flushing toilets or flushing internal plumping. The Galway County Council which has deployed 23 water tankers at various locations and is currently carrying out containment and remedial works said it could take several days before the water supply service can be made safe.
Regarding the current situation, Cllr Ó Cuaig said: “It’s just another in a string of problems in Carraroe water quality over the years. The lake is low lying and anything is able to filter into it. It is right in the village with houses all around and sewerage going into it. The only solution to getting a clean source of water and the Costello Regional Water Scheme, which we have been fighting for a long time, can provide this as it will be run from a lake in the mountains. It is currently with the Department of the Environment and we’re trying to get it approved. This would be the solution to the problems. All the planning for the scheme has been done, the money is there, so why the delay? We have to put pressure on Minister Hogan.”
A number of emergency meetings have taken place at County Council buildings with work taking place to prevent any further contamination and to cleanse the affected water supply. Investigations are on-going into the source of the contamination but initial indications have suggested that a fuel line at an NUI Galway property in Carraroe had become damaged during recent severe weather.
A statement from NUI Galway said: “NUI Galway is currently carrying out investigation works on its property in An Cheathrú Rua and has engaged an environmental contractor to carry out these works. NUI Galway is currently investigating the matter and will work closely with the appropriate local authorities on all relevant issues.”
Following yet another meeting at Council Buildings yesterday morning, a spokesperson for the water services department said that “all aspects” are being investigated and the council is getting every assistance from NUI Galway in relation to its property. He explained that the contamination occurred when a diesel oil pipe ruptured and the pollutant matter leaked into the ground water, and because of a nearby stream the matter then flowed into the lake and into the water supply. The council is currently working to ensure that the leak is contained and is carrying out remedial works so that no further contamination takes place. The spokesperson added that the works involve the removal of contaminated soil, the placing of barriers, and the placing of matter to soak up the pollutants. The programme of works also includes the cleaning of reservoirs and all distributory lines.
The council water services department was unable to give a timeline as to when the restrictions on the water usage would be lifted
