Recently elected Clare County Councillor Rita McInerney has voiced her concerns regarding the Government’s recent approval of Uisce Éireann’s Water Supply Project, which plans to extract water from the Parteen Basin.
Councillor McInerney has highlighted significant issues regarding the lack of investment in the local water supply in County Clare, frequent water outages, and the need for prioritising investment in rural Ireland for balanced regional development.
Councillor McInerney stated, “While the water supply project from the Parteen Basin has the benefit of addressing water needs for the Greater Dublin region and surrounding areas, it is deeply concerning that such significant resources are being allocated to an area already benefiting from substantial infrastructure investment.
County Clare has been facing persistent water supply issues, with residents and businesses experiencing frequent outages, low pressure and substandard water quality. This situation is unacceptable, and there is a clear need for immediate investment in our local water infrastructure to ensure reliable and safe water supply for our communities.”
She emphasised the importance of balanced regional development, pointing out that nearly 50% of Ireland’s population is concentrated in the area targeted by this new project. “Ireland needs a strategic approach to development that spreads economic opportunities and infrastructure investments more evenly across the country. Over-concentration of resources in one region exacerbates regional inequalities and hampers the growth potential of rural areas in Clare.”
Councillor McInerney is calling on the Government and Uisce Éireann to reconsider their priorities and allocate more resources to improve the water infrastructure in rural areas. “We must address the critical needs of rural communities and ensure that they are not left behind. Investing in local water supply systems in County Clare is not just a necessity but a matter of equity and balanced regional development. Our rural communities deserve the same level of attention and investment as urban areas.”
She concluded by urging for a comprehensive review of national development policies to ensure a fair distribution of resources and support for rural regions. “It is imperative that we work towards a more balanced Ireland where every region, including County Clare, can thrive and grow. Sustainable development must be inclusive and equitable, benefiting all citizens regardless of their geographic location.”