Uisce Éireann officials set to meet Dundalk councillors over ongoing water issues

Fine Gael Councillor and current Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, Robert Nash, has welcomed confirmation that officials from Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) will meet with Dundalk MD councillors on September 29th, following ongoing concerns regarding local water and wastewater infrastructure.

The meeting, secured after a special sitting of the Dundalk MD Council in July, was called in response to growing public unease surrounding water quality at Blackrock Beach and the performance of several wastewater pumping stations across the Dundalk and Blackrock areas.

“We’ve seen the very real public concerns in Blackrock in recent months,” said Cllr. Nash.

“The ‘Fighting Dirty’ campaign, led by local activist Brian Hopper, has shone a light on the failings of our current wastewater infrastructure.

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“This has been a crucial driver in keeping the issue in the public eye and in pushing Irish Water to examine their operations more closely.”

Cllr. Nash commended Mr Hopper and the campaign committee, stating their work has been instrumental in applying pressure and demanding accountability on the issue.

While welcoming recent announcements of planned upgrades—most notably, the installation of a new pipeline from the Coes Road pumping station to the Point Road treatment plant, due to begin in 2026—Cllr. Nash stressed the need for immediate action in the interim.

“Flooding remains a major issue in estates like Bay Estate, Cluain Enda, and others served by the Coes Road station.

“Many residents in these areas have suffered repeated flood damage during periods of heavy rainfall,” he said.

“There needs to be a proactive and strategic approach from Irish Water to identify and address these ‘pinch points’ in the system before major works begin.”

Cllr. Nash also highlighted the broader need for investment in other areas, including Blackrock, Haggardstown, Dromiskin, and Knockbridge, and called on Uisce Éireann to clearly outline how they plan to tackle long-standing infrastructure deficiencies across the wider Dundalk region.

“I believe these upcoming talks are critical. We need clarity, timelines, and a commitment to both long-term upgrades and short-term mitigation measures,” he added.

“Until the planned works are delivered, vigilance is essential.

“When heavy rainfall is forecast, we should know where problems will occur—and Irish Water must work with contractors to implement short-term solutions to reduce the risk of further flooding.”

Cllr. Nash concluded by reaffirming his commitment to representing the concerns of affected residents and ensuring full transparency around Irish Water’s future infrastructure plans.