IRISH WATER briefings are to be boycotted by a Clare councillor until they agree to meet at a statutory meeting that can be attended by the media.
On Monday, Irish Water officials met with some elected representatives of Clare County Council in-camera.
Among those not to attend the meeting was Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). “I chose to boycott the Irish Water meeting because it was held behind closed doors and I’ve done so since they’ve refused to attend a statutory meeting”. The Shannon representative said Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan (GP) was “shocked” on Friday to hear of Irish Water’s stance on only having engagements behind closed doors. “The media should be present to report on these meetings,” Flynn added.
Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) said senior officials in Irish Water were agreeable to another meeting in a fortnight to discuss extraction of water from Clare, wastewater schemes and water supply. “All of us as councillors feel very unhappy with the way the presentation was made and the difficulty it presented to Clare County Council”.
Monday’s briefing was described as “farcical” by Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF), “I’m being nice by saying that”. Further delays to the delivery of a wastewater project for Kilkee from 2024 to the end of 2025 annoyed the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District.
