A West Donegal family who were asked for €66,000 for a water connection for their new home by Irish Water have been given the go-ahead to do the work – for just €3,000.
Danny Boyle and his young family had spent the past two years building their dream home in Gortahork.
However, when they went to Irish Water to get connected to the mains they were told it would cost in the region o €66,000 to connect a pipe from the main road and across the 270 metres to their home.
Despite pleading with Irish Water, Mr Boyle was left helpless despite being ready to move into his home.
He contacted local county councillor Micheal Mac Giolla Easbuig who took up his case.
But despite a number of meetings, Irish Water said they could not change their policy in charging for their work.
When contacted by Donegal Daily, a spokesman said the standard charge for connections in the vicinity (within 10 metres) of the existing public network is €2,272.
However, where new infrastructure is required such as mains extension to provide a service to the applicant’s property Irish Water will undertake a detailed design to identify the project requirements.
They say that site surveys and investigations may also be required, including engagement with statutory authorities such as the local authority to procure a road opening licence.
However, it now appears that Irish Water have allowed Mr Boyle to carry out his own works – for a fraction of the cost of the original estimate.
Apart from the €600 connection fee, Mr Boyle plans to do all the work himself.
Councillor Micheal Mac Giolla Easbuig said he is delighted for the Boyle family and the victory showed the reward for perseverance.
He said “This is a victory for common sense and proof that if you stick with something it will happen.
“We persevered with this and with met with Irish Water a number of times and would not give up on it.
“It shows that things can be changed and I’m delighted for the Boyle family that Irish Water agreed to do this and took a sensible approach to it.”
Tags:
