Once again, the people of Shannonvale find themselves both frustrated and insulted by inaction and lack of transparency from the Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water). This year marks the 26th year that local residents have appealed for a solution to the sewage flood which engulfs the village green.
The Waste Water Lead for this area has come back to us to confirm that the design is finalised and funding is being sought.
Irish Water – 13 September 2021
Despite an assertion made by the semi-state body to elected representatives in 2021 that a design had been approved for the necessary works, and that funding for same was being sought, when local campaigner Barry O’Mahony pressed Uisce Éireann for an update on the progress of the works earlier this year, the reply was disheartening to say the least.
The response issued in Sept 2021 was based on the fact that Cork County County had developed a proposal and submitted same to Uisce Éireann for approval and funding. That proposal was reviewed at a workshop held in Dec 2021 with a long list of unconstrained options, however, some concerns were raised by Uisce Éireann on the proposal options. Another workshop is being arranged to update and develop the project.
Uisce Éireann – 29 March 2023
It would appear that Uisce Éireann no longer believes that the design which had been “approved” in 2021 is fit for purpose, and that everything has gone back to the drawing board. O’Mahony followed up the email to query when the next workshop between Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council regarding Shannonvale would be held, since it had been over 15 months since the previous one. Uisce Éireann’s representative replied on the 9th of June 2023 “There is no date set for the next workshop as of yet.”
Outraged by the blatant lack of interest or urgency with which the Shannonvale matter is being treated, Barry O’Mahony called the local community to a meeting on Monday the 12th of June. The meeting was well attended by the community, along with County Councillor Paul Hayes, and TD Michael Collins. Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan sent a message of support, and Deputy Holly Cairns made contact via phone to offer her support as well. All 3 deputies went on to raise the matter in the Dáil again in the following days. At the meeting, O’Mahony presented all of the information gathered to date on the issue, and encouraged those in attendance to take action as a group by means of a petition to the ministers responsible and a range of public protest actions. He went on to announce that he will run for election in the 2024 local elections, and that Shannonvale will remain a priority for him.
An online version of the petition will be launched shortly, but in the meantime, it is already possible to sign in-person at Phair’s Pub, Shannonvale, and at O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty from Wednesday 21st of June.
If you wish to get any further information, Barry O’Mahony can be contacted at contact@barryomahony.ie or via Facebook at facebook.com/barrywestcork