Uisce Éireann representatives meet with Cork City Council members to discuss discoloured water issue

UISCE ÉIREANN officials have acknowledged that water services in the city are “not meeting the standards that customers expect” following a private meeting last night with Cork city councillors about discoloured water on the northside.

Solidarity councillor Brian McCarthy described the meeting between Cork City Council elected members and seven representatives of the utility as a “PR exercise”. 

The meeting was called to discuss mounting complaints regarding discoloured water which has been impacting the drinking water as well as water used for showers, washing machines, and dishwashers.

“Uisce Éireann kept saying the water was compliant in terms of pH standards as long as you didn’t drink it until it ran clear,” said Cllr McCarthy. However, he expressed concern about the state of the water.

In a statement issued to The Echo following yesterday’s meeting, Uisce Éireann officials acknowledged that “the water services in Cork city are not meeting the standards that customers rightly expect, especially in light of the significant Uisce Éireann investment in the water infrastructure in Cork city over the last number of years”.

“In the short term, Uisce Éireann continues with works to proactively flush the network in targeted areas across Cork City where reports of discolouration have been received,” said an Uisce Éireann spokesperson.

“Areas are prioritised based on customer feedback and reports received by our customer care team.

“This involves isolating small sections of the network and flushing them of any dislodged sediment.” 

It is understood other councillors at last night’s meeting said that improved communication from the utility was necessary.

The Uisce Éireann spokesperson also said that the current freezing weather limited the flushing that could take place.

Cork North Central TD Mick Barry has called a public meeting to discuss the ongoing issue which will be held in the Maldron Hotel on Shandon Street on Thursday, January 25, and Uisce Éireann officials have been invited to this meeting also.