Group water schemes threaten to wind up over costs

By Tom Gilmore

THE future of over 120 independent Group Water Schemes around Galway who currently buy their water from the local authority could be under threat.
The Chairman of one major North Galway scheme says they will not act as collectors for Irish Water when they take over the schemes if the costs get too expensive.
The Chairman of the Kilbannon Group Water Scheme, which serves over 550 households, Miko Hughes, says they currently buy their water from Galway Co Council and many other group schemes “could be in the same boat” if the cost under Irish Water rises dramatically.
“Our fear is that it will get too expensive and as we are volunteers on our scheme, the same as in so many others, we can’t be expected to go around collecting money for Irish Water if it becomes too costly,” says Miko.