'Not sustainable' Call for public water supply for Drumeela National School

The primary school remains without a ‘proper public water supply’

Published 6th Aug 2026, 08:55 BST Tap Water | South West Water The primary school remains without a ‘proper public water supply’ Sign up to our Leitrim Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Leitrim Live within your account.

The need for a South Leitrim school to have a safe water supply was highlighted at last week’s meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District.

Cllr Enda McGloin (FG) submitted a motion in relation to Drumeela Primary School, which has a roll of between 20 and 30 pupils.

His motion stated, “I call on Uisce Éireann and Leitrim County Council Rural Water Services to review the current water supply to Drumeela N.S. and to work together to provide a proper public water supply to the school.”

“The current system is extremely costly to the Board of Management and is not sustainable,” the motion added.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr McGloin said that, “this issue has cost the school a considerable amount of money.”

Cllr McGloin asked if the “water section of the council could meet the Board of Management of the school to look at the proper way forward and ensure students have a water supply.”

“Two years ago, there were 48 householders in that area experiencing major problems with their water supply,” Cllr Paddy O’Rourke (FF) stated.

“There is a prohibitive cost to bring the water from where it is to where it needs to go. Hopefully, this scheme can be progressed,” he added.

Cllr Róisín Kenny told the meeting that, “it is very important the children in this school have a clean water supply.”

“Hopefully, the Department will help with the funding,” she added.

Read More GALLERY: 2026 O’Carolan Harp Competition winners GALLERY: Carrick Regatta returns to Leitrim Glencar Manor celebrate U15 Championship Division 1 Final victory - GALLERY Leitrim care centre improves HIQA compliance following follow-up inspection GALLERY: Leitrim students suited and booted for Carrick Debs A written reply from the council stated, “the school has been advised by the council in the past to contact Uisce Éireann regarding the possibility of connecting to the public water supply.”

“The council has also sent on information to the school regarding other possible solutions to their drinking water problem.

“Drumeela NS should talk to neighbours and property owners along the route to the public supply, form a committee and then apply for funding under the upcoming Multi-Annual Water Programme for Taking in Charge,” the reply added.