Uisce Eireann faces deposit cuts over Tullamore footpath markings

IF Uisce Eireann fails to remove all of the markings on footpaths around Tullamore the council will clean the granite and take the money from the deposit paid to Uisce Eireann.

The paths in the middle of the town are covered in orange, blue and white markings as part of site investigations aimed at upgrading the sewerage system. A syphon which runs under the canal will also be included in the works.

At the October Municipal District meeting, Councillor Aoife Masterson said recent heavy rain failed to remove the lettering and numbers.

Senior Executive Engineer Joe Dooley said that Uisce Eireann has been instructed to remove them. ''They are sending up a crew to use some sort of acid on them. It's fully acknowledged that it is not acceptable at this stage. As an engineer I feel it didn't need to happen. It wouldn't be common practice,we will have that granite cleaned in a couple of weeks,'' he assured members.

Mr Dooley said the water utility company is carrying out ground works. ''We all know it's badly needed and the detail design is being carried out now.''

''If they don't do what is being asked of them, what are the repercussions?''asked Councillor Frank Moran. ''We will carry out the work for them and take the cost out of their deposit,'' responded Mr Dooley. ''How big is the deposit?'' asked Councillor Shane Murray.''I didn't handle that myself in person but it's quite large. It would be to reinstate the road'' said Mr Dooley.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Declan Harvey asked if the roads are going to be dug up before Christmas. ''I'm still hearing that around the town,'' he said.

No, responded Mr Dooley. However, he added that Uisce Eireann do have a road opening licence and they are entitled to carry out the work.

But it's not that invasive. ''You will see more trenches up in Thornsberry Estate. We don't have the data. But the roads won't be dug up. The detailed design is only being carried out now.

''I don't have much faith in Irish Water,'' remarked Councillor Harvey.

Mr Dooley assured that if roads are being dug they will be reinstated, they will have to follow guidelines. There won't be a trench through the roads. They can't turn up just anywhere,''he concluded.

Uisce Éireann says it has invested €21.5 million in the Tullamore and Birr Water Supply Schemes, which will provide a safe and secure water supply to over 18,000 local residents and businesses.

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• Safe and secure water supply to over 18,000 local residents and businesses

• Improved drinking water quality

• Reduced disruptions to supply

What was involved?

• Water treatment plant at Ardan

• Groundwater sources at Ardan

• 2,500m³ treated water storage reservoir at Ardan

• Groundwater sources at Clonaslee

• Water treatment plant at Clonaslee, Co. Laois

• Camcor River abstraction and pumping infrastructure at Birr

• Water treatment plant at Birr

• 2,000m³ of treated water storage reservoir at Birr