*Domestic Water Butt, Credit: Uisce Eireann || Inset: Cllr Mary HowardDomestic Water Butt, Credit: Uisce Eireann || Inset: Cllr Mary Howard
CLARE County Council is to examine the feasibility of a reduced-cost water butt scheme for households and community groups.
The proposal was made by Cllr Mary Howard (FG) at the September full meeting of Clare County Council, as part of a wider call for greater promotion of water conservation measures across the county.
Her written notice of motion called on the council to organise a series of community workshops and information sessions on water conservation, with a particular focus on the installation, fitting and safe use of water butts.
The motion also proposed that the council provide practical advice on how rainwater collected in water butts could be used for watering gardens, plants, fruit and vegetables, helping to reduce reliance on mains water.
Cllr Howard called on the council to examine the feasibility of establishing a subsidised water butt scheme, whereby water butts could be made available to households and community groups at a reduced cost through a partnership with suppliers.
She also proposed that the initiative be promoted through the council’s social media channels, libraries, community facilities and other appropriate outlets, particularly ahead of next year’s gardening season.
In her motion, Cllr Howard highlighted the prolonged period of hot and dry weather experienced during the summer, including the introduction of hosepipe restrictions and increased pressure on water supplies.
“Water is a precious resource,” she stated, adding that encouraging households to capture and reuse rainwater was a “simple, practical and sustainable step” which could help reduce demand on the public water supply while supporting gardens and green spaces.
In a written response, Director of Services Carmel Kirby welcomed the proposals, describing them as a “practical response” to challenges arising increasingly from climate change.
Ms Kirby said Clare County Council is currently investigating running a workshop on the installation, use and benefits of water butts as part of the Loop Head Decarbonisation Zone demonstration funding scheme.
“This can be a pilot to gauge public interest and then a series of workshops could be considered for roll out county wide,” she stated.
The council’s Climate Section, in partnership with the Environment Team, will also investigate the feasibility of a water butt scheme.
Ms Kirby also noted that a scheme for community groups to acquire water butts is due to be launched at the end of October, through the LAWPRO Community Water Development Fund.
Details of the scheme will be shared through the council’s media platforms and website when available.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Howard welcomed the prospect of workshops and referred to the contrast between the weather earlier in the year and the summer.
She recalled the “insane rain for 90 days straight” earlier in the year before describing the subsequent weather as a “stunning summer”.
“Every drop counts,” she said.
Cllr Howard said she had wondered how much water could have been saved if every house had a water butt, suggesting that the widespread collection of rainwater could have reduced demand on the public supply during the summer.
“If every house had a water butt, imagine how much would have been saved,” she said, adding that it could have reduced the need for a hosepipe ban.
Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), who seconded the motion, described it as a “commonsensical suggestion”.
She also raised the possibility of water butts being installed at graveyards, saying her sister had visited Quin graveyard and queried whether one could be provided there so people could use the collected water to tend to flowers at loved ones’ graves.
She referenced other graveyards where such facilities are available.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
