Or wrong twice. Think of the redevelopment of Eyre Square – two contractors, two attempts - and now the Galway Water Crisis and its sequel, the mini Galway Water Crisis.

It was disheartening but not altogether surprising to find that we were facing a second water crisis in the city last week. Galway City Council announced on Thursday that e-coli had been detected in a sample of water in the city. Just when we thought we were done with buying in bottled water, a precautionary boil water notice was issued in the Knocknacarra area.

And, there was further good water-related news this week with the announcement of the Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009 by Green Party Environment Minister John Gormley. Minister Gormley has announced that €5.8 billion is to be allocated to upgrade the State’s water services, with nearly €580 million of this sum destined for Galway. The €580 million includes an allocation of over €114 million for Galway City and over €464 million for Galway county. There is to be a special package to target drinking water schemes, which are at risk of e-coli and cryptosporidium pollution.

They had their sceptics but, credit where credit is due, the Green Party has been vocal from the get-go on the water crisis, with the then City Mayor Niall Ó Brolcháin taking the heat for the crisis and stepping up to the mark when it was apparent to all and sundry that the problems with Galway’s water supply well preceded his term as mayor. And whether it was years in the planning, Minister Gormley is to be congratulated for bringing forward a much-needed plan for our water services.

Galway may be fond of doing things on the double but we don’t need double trouble. Until Galway water runs clear, the issue of clean water for the city and county must be kept on the front burner.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment