There’s calls for full transparency from Uisce Eireann in Donegal.
The Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District says communication from the utility is severely lacking as he received correspondence from Uisce Eireann yesterday acknowledging a complaint he submitted in August.
While attempting to report a water outage in Falcarragh today it initially was not accepted without an Eircode.
Councillor Michael McClafferty says the utility once and for all needs to meet with local Councillors to outline infrastructure issues in the area:
State from Uisce Éireann:
“As service continuity is an Uisce Éireann priority, how we engage and communicate with elected representatives is key focus for ourteam. To ensure speedy responses Uisce Éireann provides dedicated support desks as well as councillor clinics to support elected representative engagement. It is always Uisce Éireann’s intention to provide accurate and timely responses to any queries raisedby elected representatives, as well as customers. We are however cognisant of the need to continually strengthen engagement, Uisce Eireann has started a review of how it engages with local authorities, including elected members. As part of this review, wewill be consulting with the various interested stakeholders, including elected members through their AILG and LAMA representative groups, on any draft proposals we bring forward.
Pending the outcome of the engagement review, as mentioned we will continue to liaise with elected representatives through existingvarious channels and forums, including:
• The Local Representative Support Desk, a dedicated service to address elected representatives queries. This is open Monday – Friday from 9am to 5.30pm Outside these hours, the 24/7 customer care lineis available for urgent queries at 1800 278 278;
• Councillor Clinics, which are held biannually in Donegal for each municipal district, and at which the elected members can meet our Uisce Éireann experts and discuss local issues/projects. If we areunable to provide the relevant information on the day, we will follow up and respond as quickly as possible afterwards; and
•Our Regional Communications team, who provide regular updates to elected members concerning upcoming projects and upgrades intheir area via regular press releases and outreach.
Uisce Éireann met with elected representative from the Glenties Municipal District in May and November 2023. A senior management team from Uisce Éireannalso met with elected representative in Lifford in September 2023. We would like to thank all those who attended, and we were happy to address the queries they raised. Our Councillor Clinics are arranged well in advance, in conjunction with the Local Authority, to ensure no overlap in the Councillors diary. A reminder is also sent a week in advance. We encourage Councillors to forward on any queries they have beforethe clinic, to help have answers available on the day of the clinic.
Uisce Éireann would like to thank the elected members of Donegal for their support and reiterate our commitment to ensuring they are kept informed ofdevelopments and investment across the county.”
