Calls for review of fire hydrants in local area

Rebekah O'Reilly

A local councillor has called for a review of fire hydrants in local area at the most recent meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

Cllr Liam McDaniel asked the Municipal District "to carry out an assessment of the existing Water Hydrant network given the growth in population and given the growth of Industrial/Commercial activities in our Municipal District".

"It's important that we know where the hydrants are, and how many there are, especially in rural areas, and to see whether we have enough.

"I know that Uisce Eireann is now in charge of the hydrants. We as a council need to provide a system for development of the hydrants in industrial areas and agricultural areas as well," Cllr McDaniel added.

The motion received the support of both Cllr John Dolan, and Cllr Johnny Penrose.

"The question is, too, are our hydrants ready for use?

"It's relevant in terms of the fire service, because some of the hydrants don't have an attachment that matches the fire services hoses," said Cllr Dolan.

In response, District Engineer Willie Ryan highlighted that the council are no longer in control of the hydrants.

"We're no longer in control, and we don't have access to the resources to make a change. We do need to do an assessment of how many we have, and for the hydrants to be mapped.

"We're asking Uisce Eireann for a further investment in the fire hydrants."

In a written response, the council executive said: "The water distribution network and its fire hydrants are maintained by Uisce Eireann. It is considered that the design of new watermains to include such Hydrants are considered as part of new planning applications. A letter to UE can issue should the [council] Members wish."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme