Irish Water has been called on to clearly state what it plans to do with the country’s many old traditional roadside water pumps, dozens of which can be found throughout Donegal.
A traditional water pump in Mountcharles.
Cllr John Shéamais Ó Fearraigh’s call for clarity comes as the mystery surrounding the future of our historic hand pumps under the patronage of the controversial utility company remains to be addressed.
“The fact that what lies in store for our ancient roadside water pumps, many of which adorn communities the length and breadth of Ireland, is indeed very worrying.
“Of course, while many of these old pumps have been superseded for water supply and have become largely redundant, they have quite rightly been retained as features in our localities and continue to provide character and charm to our parishes.”
He asked will these iconic public water pumps be removed by Irish Water in anticipation of the government’s planned water charges?
“These pumps, which are not only iconic and visually attractive, they are centuries old and form part of the built heritage of our towns and villages and need to be preserved.”
In addition to his calls on Irish Water to clarify this matter, Cllr Ó Fearraigh slammed both Government parties – as well as the previous administration – for their part in the introduction of water charges.
He also went on to urge everyone to attend this Wednesday’s Water Charge Protest in Dublin, which it’s expected will coincide with a Sinn Féin tabled motion of No Confidence in the Taoiseach.
“Fine Gael and Labour must start listening to the people – nothing short of the complete scrapping of water charges will satisfy protestors.”
“And it’s important that we mustn’t forget that it was under the previous Fianna Fáil/Green party government that water charges were first proposed; this means that they cannot simply distance themselves from these unjust charges either.”
“I would encourage everyone who can make it out to attend this Wednesday’s Protest to do so as it will be a hugely important event: while thousands of people will be taking part in the demonstration against Water charges outside Leinster House on Wednesday, inside Dáil Éireann TDs will vote on a Sinn Féin tabled motion of No Confidence in the Taoiseach.”
“Through people power and through us all standing together this Wednesday, the people have the chance to send central Government a clear message that we do not support their plans to introduce these charges.”
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