Village well in Cork runs dry amid severe criticism of Irish Water

It’s like adding insult to injury for residents of a drought-stricken Co Cork village, councillors have said.

Just days ago, local public representatives criticised Irish Water for a “crazy solution” to Kildorrery’s supply problems and within hours, the critical nature of their plight was highlighted yet again when the well ran dry.

Irish Water sanctioned the building of a new reservoir in the village — but not the replacement of its Victorian-era mains pipes which are fracturing as quick as you could say water meter.

The council has already written to the utility company saying the extra pressure generated by the new reservoir is needed, but pumping it into the ageing pipes will only lead to more breaks.

Now they have written to Irish Water again highlighting the latest trauma suffered by local consumers.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Frank O’Flynn said a large number of households, businesses, and farmers were “without a drop of water” from 9.15pm last Friday until Monday morning.

“Two businesses had to close, a hairdresser had to ring around her clients all day Saturday and cancel their bookings and two 21st birthday parties also suffered because of another major break in a troublesome 2.5km-long main pipe,” he said.