A Letterkenny councillor has claimed that Uisce Eireann could be liable for ‘corporate manslaughter’ if a tragedy were linked to faulty fire hydrants.
Cllr Gerry McMonagle is calling on Uisce Eireann to honour their statutory responsibility to maintain all fire hydrants in the country.
The call comes after issues with fire hydrants hampered firefighters’ efforts during recent serious incidents in Castlefinn, Newtowncunningham and Letterkenny.
In February, firefighters had to travel two miles to access water to battle a blaze at Tinney’s Bar in Castlefinn.
Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford MD, Cllr McMonagle that blocked hydrants are being found all too often.
“I know from talking to members of the fire service and people involved in training recruits, they regularly find them also blocked. They’re not isolated incidents, this is happening regularly and it can be a life-or-death situation.
“If a tragedy was to happen they (Uisce Eireann) would be liable for corporate manslaughter, I would say.”
Cllr McMonagle said the water utility has yet to survey the state of fire hydrants, despite the problems being raised by elected representatives on a number of occasions.
Cllr McMonagle recently received correspondence from the Minister of Housing, Heritage and Local Government confirming that Uisce Eireann has statutory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of fire hydrants.
He called on the council to contact Uisce Eireann to inform them of this duty and “in no uncertain terms” request that they immediately inspect all fire hydrants in the Letterkenny-Milford municipal district to ensure that they are all fit for purpose and in working order.
Cllr McMonagle said the council should also request that Uisce Eireann ensure every fire hydrant is clearly marked and known to those who need to know where they are, i.e. the fire services.
Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh said a clear timeline and plan of inspections is needed, adding: “I don’t think Irish Water is taking it seriously enough.”
