Huge operation to deliver water to Aran Islands

A massive logistical operation was under way off the west coast yesterday to deliver water to two island communities.

Up to 240,000 litres of water are being transported daily to the Aran Islands of Inis Meáin and Inis Oirr after a drought which left water supplies there at dangerously low levels.

While many parts of the country have experienced repeated downpours and localised flooding since the start of the summer, the Aran Islands have had very little rainfall and the porous limestone terrain has meant that only small amounts of rainwater have been retained there.

A cargo boat has been converted to carry massive tankers which will be filled from the mains supply at Rossaveal harbour in Connemara and ferried to the islands. The vessel will carry 120 cubic metres, or 120,000 litres, of water on each trip. The current, daily requirement on Inis Meáin (native population less than 200) is 80 cubic metres and it is hoped to build up reserves with the excess.

Inis Oirr, physically the smallest of the Aran Islands, has a population closer to 300 and a greater requirement for water.

Four tankers lined up at the quayside at Inis Meáin and, once filled from the boat, were transported by a tractor unit to the reservoir which is located some distance from the harbour.

A different approach was required for Inis Oirr. The cargo vessel anchors close to the beach, from where the water is pumped through a pipe and directly into the reservoir.

The massive operation is being undertaken by Galway County Council as agent for Irish Water. It is hoped to make at least two trips daily to ensure both islands receive water. Council official Tony Kelly said: “You’re supplying the life force to the two islands and not only the people themselves but also to the livestock. Then there is the tourism and local industry there.

“We have the boat hired 24/7 and have two crews working on it, so if we can maximise it by going to three trips a day we’d be doing well. We had problems with rationing until the middle of October, so it’s hard to say how long it can last,” he said.