Source: Athenry Project Society (1993)

To:

Galway County Council,

Prospect Hill,

Galway.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please find enclosed presentation documents outlining our case for a 24 HOUR WATER SUPPLY for Athenry.

This is a NEW approach to this problem and if accepted would preserve the purity of our current supply.

We request that you give our proposal your full consideration as it is our opinion that it best meets the requirements of the whole Athenry Community.

Yours sincerely,

 ———————————–

 Edward Waldron (Secretary, Athenry Project Society)) 

All correspondence to:

—————————-

                                    Mr Edward Waldron,

                                   Secretary of Athenry Project Society,

                                    New Line,

                                    Athenry,

                                    Co. Galway.

           The above is supported by the following:

            ATHENRY COMMUNITY COUNCIL

            ATHENRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

            ATHENRY PROJECT SOCIETY

            ATHENRY WOMENS GROUP

            **************************

CURRENT TOWN WATER SUPPLY SITUATION

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* The supply is one of HIGH QUALITY pure water.

* The supply can not alone cater for current requirements but also for a much greater town population. (See Athenry Town Plan drawn up by Galway County Council)

* It would be very important that the quality of the supply is not lowered through inputs from outside sources.

* HOWEVER, UNLIKE OTHER MAJOR COUNTY TOWNS, ATHENRY’S WATER SUPPLY IS ONLY ON TAP 18 HOURS PER DAY.

* THERE IS NO SUPPLY BETWEEN 1 A.M. AND 7 A.M.

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REASONS FOR A 24 HOUR WATER SUPPLY

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* FIRE SAFETY AT NIGHT

The lack of a night-time supply is a great worry to both householders and business owners alike, and puts unnecessary stress on the town’s excellent Fire Service.

* HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Landowners and Developers are greatly hindered in any plans they may have for future housing schemes on the outskirts of the Town.

* INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

Likewise one must ask what Business person would be attracted to set up a factory in a Town which doesn’t have a 24 hr water supply?

* TOURISM

Given the O.P.W. development of Athenry Castle into a major Tourism Centre, there will be a growing influx of visitors. No doubt there will be a growth in the number of Guesthouses etc. The lack of a 24 hr water supply will greatly hinder the best efforts of Guesthouse owners to properly provide a professional service to their clients.

A PROPOSAL

TO UPGRAGE THE MAIN WATER PIPE RUNNING FROM THE PUMPHOUSE AT BAWNMORE TO THE RESEVOIR AT BALLYDAVID SOUTH.

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* It is the agreed opinion of the SUPPORTERS of this proposal that the best method to provide ATHENRY with a 24 HOUR WATER SUPPLY is to upgrade the main pipe running from the pumphouse at BAWNMORE to the RESEVOIR at BALLYDAVID SOUTH.

* THIS UPPGRADING HAS BEEN COSTED AT £65,000 BY A LOCAL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION FIRM.

* An investment by the GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL of a little more than half the annual WATER RATES paid by the householders and businesses (approx. 1000) would be suffice to remedy this MAJOR DEFECT in ATHENRY’S INFRASTRUCTURE.

* WE STRONGLY URGE GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL TO GIVE PRIORITY TO THIS PROPOSAL.

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Not long afterwards, Galway County Council provided the town with a 24 hour water supply.