Irish Water is coming under pressure to change the dates of the water services upgrade and mains rehabilitation works it is due to start this month in Oranmore, following stinging criticism of the controversial company by Oranmore business people and Independent Sen Fidelma Healy-Eames.
Last week Irish Water came in for condemnation over failure to give adequate notice about the works, which are due to start on June 18 and continue into September. In response, IW is holding a second public meeting, in Oranmore Library tomorrow [Tuesday June 9] at 5.30pm, to address the nature and timing of the road closures.
However, Sen Healy-Eames is calling on IW to "be open to rescheduling the works to more suitable times" as the current plans will take place during the peak summer season, "a season many businesses depend on to stay afloat throughout the year," she added.
She is also calling on the public to attend the meeting, as "the best outcome for the timing of these works will be one that is mutually agreed by business owners and residents alike". She said the the timing "should not be a unilateral decision" by Irish Water, especially give that the company is "a public utility we all pay for".
While she acknowledged that whatever times are eventually agreed on, "there will be inconvenience", she said "working together" will "keep this at a minimum".
