This article is from page 3 of the 2011-01-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
RESIDENTS of one Ennis housing estate affected by water shortages are already planning ahead for next year’s big freeze.
Homes in Woodhaven on the Kilrush Road have experienced supply shortages over the past fortnight. The local resident’s association is proposing to develop rain-harvesting systems to ensure homes have an alternative water supply.
“Some of the houses have had frozen stop-cocks and there’s also been problems with pressure. One house might not have water but the house next door would. We might look at rain harvesting; encouraging people to collect rainwater off chutes. Its just an idea at this stage,” explained a spokesperson.
Homes in Tulla and parts of Feakle were also trying to manage without water during the big thaw. Water tankers and a standpipe had to be brought in to help keep businesses going and households supplied with water for essentials.
“It’s been very difficult for people,” said local councillor, Pat Hayes (FF). He continued, “There are probably a lot more people in this part of Clare without water than we realise because a lot of homes would be on wells or private supplies and the council doesn’t have anything to do with that so we wouldn’t know.”
“We can’t put all the blame on the council. It’s an act of God and they have done their level best to deal with it,” said Ennis area councillor, James Breen (Ind).
Clare County Council has again urged homeowners and business to conserve water in the coming days.
A spokesperson said, “The council appreciates the patience of the public in dealing with these shut offs. Without the shut-offs supplies would be even more depleted.
“Consumers can expect a delay in resumption of supply after water is restored at the time indicated while the mains are recharging for several hours. Furthermore, consumers on the periphery of schemes or on high ground can expect even greater delays in restoration of normal supply and pressure”.