I have achieved on water services before … now I say:
NO WATER CHARGES until Roscommon’s water crisis is resolved
Over my twenty-two years’ as a public representative in County Roscommon, I have had a particular association with issues to do with the water service here.
The reason I present myself as a candidate who can help achieve a real breakthrough in Roscommon’s current water crisis is because of my track record, which is a matter of public knowledge.
For many years I consistently highlighted the difficulties with the public water supply scheme which serves thousands of people in the North-East of the county – householders in places such as Strokestown, Elphin, Tulsk, Rooskey/Kilglass, Tarmonbarry, Scramogue, parts of Ballyleague and indeed
their hinterlands.
When I was elected Mayor of Roscommon in June 2012 I made our water services my priority during my term in office. I argued in favour of re-locating the source from Lisheen Lake to Grange Lake and for the provision of a proper filtration system. In December 2012, approval of €11m in funding for a major
upgrade of the North-East Regional Water Supply Scheme was announced. The Strokestown (Lisheen) Scheme went to tender last autumn and I am now in regular contact with Irish Water in order to have this work fast-tracked. I have continued to be tireless in pressing for improved water services. For
example just last July, at a meeting of Roscommon County Council, I made a proposal that the people of Roscommon should not co-operate with the introduction of water charges until a proper filtration system is in place on all sources around the county.
When there are ‘boil water’ notices in place in different parts of this county and when hard-pressed citizens have to buy bottled water on a daily basis it is repugnant for our so-called political masters to continue to advocate for water charges.
There has been progress, but the water supply in Roscommon is still hugely problematic. Householders deserve better. Small businesses like shops, pubs, restaurants, crèches, etc. deserve better.
If they want us to pay water charges, then they need to give us a quality water service. I am advocating that we do not co-operate on water charges until we have adequate water services. The people know where I stand. I stand by the people.
MY PLEDGE ON WATER
Householders – When I lobby National Government, the Minister for the Environment of the day, local Government representatives, the Council executive, MEPs and state agencies, I will stand up for the people of the Boyle Electoral Area and make the case for Roscommon’s water crisis to be resolved – in a firm and credible manner and without being compromised by affiliation to any political party!