Killester Water Supply Problems
Dear Resident,
Once again many Killester residents are experiencing the intolerable situation of having their water supply totally cut off during the Winter period. This is not good enough.
Since last year’s problems I have been lobbying constantly for long-term solutions to be found to the under-lying low water pressure issues in the area. As can be seen below I tabled council questions as recently as October and December demanding action on this important matter.
The December reply detailed the works that have been taken since last January and states that ‘Over the last 6-8 months pressures have improved in this area’
I would urge residents to contact me to inform me as to whether or not you feel that water pressure has improved over the last 6-8 months.
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
NORTH CENTRAL AREA COMMITTEE
18th October 2010
Q.25 Question in the name of Councillor Aodhán Ó’Riordáin
“To ask the manager to investigate the ongoing water pressure problems in Abbeyfield, Killester Park, Middle Third, St Brigid’s and wider Killester area. To ask the manager if the water supply issues affecting these areas have been resolved and if the water pressure has been improved to a level where shortages should not happen in the future.
Reply:
Water Services Division is unaware of “ongoing water pressure problems” in this area. If details of addresses, streets or areas currently experiencing difficulties are submitted to the Division then they will be investigated.The water supply issues that affected this area in January were a combination of increased leakage due to the severe weather, increased demand due to householders running taps, increased demand due to hoarding of water and lack of treatment capacity.
Since January, local works have been carried out that will help to mitigate, to some degree, the impact on the area. Improved control on the bulk supply into the area allows the pressures to be more closely controlled and will help to provide a more flexible response should problems arise. The expansion of Ballymore Eustace will provide us with a small increase in production capacity which will help to reduce the impact if problems should arise again.
The fundamental problem of the very tight balance between supply and demand, while eased somewhat by the expansion works at Ballymore Eustace, still remains. It will be necessary to manage the situation carefully to ensure that there is a timely response to potential problems while the danger of over reaction is avoided.
Céline Reilly Area Manager
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
NORTH CENTRAL AREA COMMITTEE
20th December 2010
Q.27 Question in the name of Councillor Aodhán Ó’Riordáin
“To ask the manager in respect of the following areas Abbeyfield, Middle Third, Demense, St Brigid’s and Killester Park, Killester what works have taken place in the last 12 months to relieve the low water pressure issues continually experienced in these estates.
To ask does the manager accept that these areas experience unreasonably low levels of water pressure.
To ask does the manger accept that water shortages affect areas of low water pressure disproportionately.
To ask what plans exist within the City Council water supply framework for improving the water supply issues in the areas
Reply:
The following local works have been carried out since January,
· Cross connection at 205 Killester Avenue, 150mm linking the two 6” mains on either side of the road.
· Cross connection at 160 Killester Avenue, 100mm linking the two 4” mains either side of the road.
· Cross connection at 97 Killester Avenue, 100mm linking the 4” to the 6”.
· Cross connection at 9 Ennel Avenue 100mm linking 4” to 100mm.
· Maintenance work on telemetry instrumentation at valves in Fairview Park.
· Ennel Avenue, upsize 4” from St Brendan’s Park junction to the 6” at Moatfield Ave Junction to a 150mm.
· Junction of Harmonstown Road and Lein Road, confirm size of cross connection, if 4” replace with a minimum of 150mm.
· Harmonstown Road between the Lein Road and Lein Park junctions upsize existing 6” main to 225mm minimum.
· Cross connection on Brookwood Avenue at Howth Road, 100mm link between 4” mains.
· Junction of Kilester Avenue and Middle third – confirm size of cross connection between 6” and 5”/3”, if 3” replace with 5” equivalent.
· 94 Howth Road, dig to confirm section of 9” main on 12” and if found so upsize to 300mm.
The following works are ongoing
· Cross connection on Malahide Road at Griffith Avenue, 450mm connection between 24” and 18”.
· Cross connection at 60 St Brigid’s Road, 100mm linking two existing 4” mains.
· Existing 9” connection off 18” main to Gracefield Road, upsize to 300mm.
In addition improved controls have been installed at Fairview Park on the trunk main system supplying into the north eastern part of the city.
These works have allowed us to control supply more precisely so that pressures at peak demand times are maintained. Over the last 6-8 months pressures have improved in this area. In the current difficulties this area has had pressure restrictions but has not been part of the shut down programme. While levels of service have been reduced, here as well as in other parts of the city, supply has been maintained.
The construction of a new watermain along the coast from Fairview Park will provide an alternative route into this area. This project has just gone out to tender and subject to funding, should start construction in 2011 and be available for use late 2012/early 2013.
The expansion works at Ballymore Eustace have improved the supply situation slightly. Two other projects, one in Kildare and one in Fingal, are at tendering stage at present. However they are unlikely to provide extra water until late 2013 at the earliest. The fundamental supply / demand balance remains tight and will remain tight for the next number of years.
Funding for rehabilitation will be key to reducing leakage levels especially in the older parts of the network. Consumers can also help by being aware of their water consumption, conserving water at all times and reducing their demand as much as possible.
Céline Reilly
Area Manager
Contact: Brian McKeown, Divisional Engineer - 2224319.
