Sworn Inquiry held into complaints of Shortage.

Athenry Mystery

Source: Irish Press, 29.01.1936

Dr. S. Berry, Local Government Inspector, in conjunction with Mr. M. Ryan, B.E., held a sworn inquiry in the Courthouse here today as to whether the water supply provided at Athenry by Galway Board of Health was satisfactory, and into certain matters relating to the discharge of his duties by the caretaker of the water works.

When the inquiry opened, Mr. V. P. Shields, solicitor, for the caretaker (Mr. P. Kennedy), protested against the terms of reference of the inquiry. There was no indication of what the

“certain matters” relating to the caretaker’s discharge of his duties were. “A person is accused of nothing and how is anyone to prepare a defence? ” he asked.

Mr. M. Counihan, solicitor, appeared for the Board of Health, and Dr. Comyn, solicitor, for a number of water consumers.

Mr. J. P. Gallagher, Secretary, Galway Board of Health, said that at a meeting of Athenry Advisory Waterworks Committee, on April 3, 1935, Dr, Foley, M.O.H., reported that there had been a complete failure of water from 4 p.m. on March 24, 1935, until the following day.

The caretaker reported that 50,000 gallons of water disappeared from the reservoir. In May, 1934, Mr. J. Collins, B.E., had made an Inspection which showed that about 1,500 gallons of water were being lost through leakage every day.

Inspector Ryan- Have the Committee or the Board done anything to improve the water supply?-—No.

Empty Reservoir

Mr. M. Clarke, Secretary, Advisory Committee, and Water Superintendent, said the reservoir was empty on January 14, 16 and I7, and from that date until January 27 it was locked.

Mr. J. Collins, Assistant County Surveyor, Tuam, said he reported to the Board of Health following an inspection on June 22, 1933, that the quantity of water going to the town was excessive. It was discovered that while 5,000 gallons were being sent through the pipes per hour the consumption was only 2,000 gallons, indicating a considerable leakage. He believed that the connections from the mains to the houses were very bad.

Mr. Gilchreest, B.E., said he had not yet done any supervising of the Water Works Superintendent as the Board of Health had instructed, because he held that an examination of the whole scheme should be carried out

Mr. M. Sweeney, Assistant County Surveyor, Oughterard, said an examination, of the waterworks by the caretaker and himself disclosed that m five sections of water supply there was a leakage of about 25,000 gallons in eight hours. The service connections were in a bad condition and he suggested the overhauling of mains by opening up the streets, but that was never done.

Air locks in pipes

Dr. Foley, M.O.H., Athenry, said he believed that the disappearance of water could be due to an air lock in the pipes. The waterworks should be put under the control of a responsible engineer and nothing would be gained so long as the present local committee was in existence. The strenuous work of starting the water engines had affected Mr. Kennedy’s health.

Mr. P. J. Duffy, President, Waterworks Committee, also gave evidence.

Mr. J. Duhig, Sub-Manager Munster and Leinster Bank, Athenry, said that for the past three years there had scarcely ever been water to his house until 1 p.m. each day. Since Jan. I8 last the water had been pumped up regularly.

Other witnesses, including Mr. S. Jordan, T.D., and Mr. S. Broderick, T.D., gave evidence of shortage of water.

Patrick Kennedy, the caretaker, said he could not explain why at one period there was no water and at another there was an adequate supply. He thought the irregularity of working hours might have something to do with it,

Complained to the Committee

He was pumping as much water as was possible with existing machinery. He had complained about water shortage to several meetings of the Advisory Committee.

Mr. Gallagher, Secretary of the Board of Health, was recalled and said that the Board suspended Mr. Kennedy on September 4 last following a letter from Mr. Duhig. When an explanation was given by Mr. Shields, solicitor, on Kennedy’s behalf, the Board decided to call for a sworn inquiry and to permit Mr. Kennedy keep his job in the meantime.

Inspector Ryan—Are we inquiring into a suspension that is non-existent? ^

Witness—Mr. Kennedy is still on duty, but he would have been relieved if there was anyone to take his place.

The inquiry concluded.