Westmeath County Council: Never too wet to worry about a hosepipe ban!

Concerns about another hosepipe ban in Mullingar were raised at the February meeting of Westmeath County Council, as councillors sought clarity on short-term water security and long-term plans to pipe water from the River Shannon to the town.

Cllr Ken Glynn said residents remain wary after Mullingar and its environs were subject to a hosepipe ban for much of last summer.

Referring to the recent spell of heavy rainfall, he said it seemed “unreal” that restrictions could return, but noted that people are already asking whether another four- or five-month ban could be on the cards.

“Do we anticipate facing that again?” he asked, acknowledging that officials could not predict the weather but pressing for an assessment of the current position. He also queried progress on previously referenced plans to direct water from the Shannon to Mullingar as part of works associated with Dublin’s supply.

Cllr Denis Leonard recalled that earlier iterations of the Shannon to Dublin proposal had envisaged taking water to a reservoir in Rochfortbridge before supplying the capital, a move he said would have reduced pressure on local sources such as Lough Owel.

He questioned how the project had evolved into a larger scheme drawing water from further downstream and called for regular updates, arguing that the approach must be in the interests of Westmeath.

Responding, chief executive Barry Kehoe confirmed that the council is expecting correspondence from Uisce Éireann on a proposed spur to Mullingar from the Shannon to Dublin water supply project.

“We’re expecting correspondence… I thought it might be here for today’s meeting. So hopefully we’ll get that in the next month,” he said.

Mr Kehoe stated that, as matters stand, the Shannon-to-Dublin project represents the long-term solution for water supply in Mullingar and surrounding areas.

“Whatever plans might have been there in the past, the future water supply for Mullingar and the surrounding areas is from that scheme,” he said.

The overall development is currently before An Coimisiún Pleanála, and a decision is expected in the near future.

While no immediate warning of renewed restrictions was issued at the meeting, councillors made clear that the experience of last summer remains fresh in the minds of households and businesses. Members signalled they want ongoing updates on both water supply levels and the progress of the proposed Shannon connection, which council management believes will ultimately safeguard Mullingar against recurring summer shortages.