Laois locals livid over ‘disgusting’ water
The water supply at Spink GAA club and community sports field was described as "disgusting" at a council meeting. File image
A GAA club and community sports field where there is no safe drinking water for children has been rejected for group water scheme funding, despite repeated appeals.
Cllr John Joe Fennelly said he was “livid” at the omission of Spink GAA from funding announced this summer.
More than €500,000 was awarded to schemes in Attanagh, Ballypickas, Cullohill, Errill, Raheen and The Heath by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Spink was not included.
Cllr Fennelly said there was an urgent need for clean water at the Spink grounds, as he highlighted the problem at the latest Laois Co Council monthly meeting.
He said: “To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. I am disgusted at this decision. It’s vital for people using the facilities in Spink GAA grounds to have proper water. A lady showed me the water there and it was disgusting.”
The Abbeyleix councillor said that inclusion in a group water scheme would cost about €130,000, which was a very small sum to ensure that people, particularly children, had clean and safe drinking water.
He said: “Children are using this GAA field. The community cannot use water in the hub. It is a GAA and community field. The reason from the department is that it’s not value for money. Surely to god if children can’t drink the water, value for money doesn't come into it.”
Cllr Fennelly asked the council to send a letter to the department, urging them to reconsider the omission of Spink GAA. He pointed out that he had repeatedly raised the issue at county council and municipal district level.
He said: “It's disgraceful. I am livid. When I went to the department, they came back to Laois Co Council asking for further information. Did anyone go out there and check the situation? I’m sorry for being negative, but this really gets to me.”
He was supported by Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh, who said the situation in Spink was “not acceptable”.
Cllr Walsh commented: “Value for money shouldn't come into it. It’s safety for kids. The people and kids there deserve a proper water supply. We need to be really forceful on this.”
Director of Services Simon Walton confirmed that the council would submit a letter to the department, along with group water scheme members.
