WEST Cork could run out of water unless a new water supply is sourced to serve the growing needs of the population and attract new industry to the region, councillors have warned.

The lack of water for West Cork was raised at a meeting of Bandon Kinsale Municipal District on Tuesday following correspondence from Uisce Éireann where the municipal district had sought an update on the proposed trunk watermain from Inniscarra to connect to supplies in West Cork.

Cllr Alan Coleman (Ind) said they met with representatives from the State body recently who told them that it was one of the most difficult regions in the country to access water.

‘They said there is no natural source to bring water into West Cork. It will be a long process and we need to keep the pressure on them,’ said Cllr Coleman, who added that the timelines they were given were ‘a bit vague.’

‘West Cork seems to be a challenge for Uisce Éireann and it wasn’t a very bright picture painted at the meeting.’

Cllr John Michael Foley (FG) expressed similar concerns and said he was disappointed with the level of answers he received at the same meeting he attended.

‘I was told that a study into a Bandon to Cork pipeline is only happening now when I thought this was completed in 2021. West Cork needs a water supply and if this main doesn’t materialise we run the risk of running out of water,’ said Cllr  Foely.

Cllr Gillian Coughlan (FF) welcomed the study and the commitment for investment but pointed out that there is not enough water in West Cork to serve the population.

‘Other solutions should be looked for West Cork. Also if a big business wanted to locate here water would unfortunately be problematic and that’s not acceptable,’ said Cllr Coughlan.

‘I really want the trunk main on the N71 upgraded and while I thank Uisce Éireann we need a strategy.’

Cllr Ann Bambury (SD) said that the water infrastructure has had a deficit in funding for many years which has now led to a possible water shortage in West Cork.

‘We need investment in both Bandon and Kinsale and it’s vital we have a good water source. Uisce Éireann seems to be communicating better but underlying issue is the lack of investment in water infrastructure,’ said Cllr Bambury.

Uisce Éireann said in correspondence that a feasibility study of all options to increase water supply capacity in the towns of Bandon, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Bantry and Castletownbere has recently been commissioned.

‘The study will examine all feasible options to resolve current and anticipated water scarcity issues and identify the preferred solutions, both interim and enduring for each town and village within the study area.’

The study will form a series of ‘future capital investments’ to mitigate the risk of supply interruptions and facilitate growth in each area of interest.

‘In anticipation of the interconnection of Cork Harbour and City Water Supply emerging as the preferred option for supplementing the water supplies of Bandon and Clonakilty, Uisce Eireann intends to commence the preliminary design of this strategic trunk main in parallel with the aforementioned study.’

However, they added that no delivery timelines can be provided until the final recommendations of the study is known.