F R E E S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R , V O L . 12, I S S U E 12, 12.04.2011
SU
Impact Report
University Presidents, Jim Browne and Don Barry (UL), pictured with the team of SERVE volunteers who will travel to Brazil in a project to provide clean water supplies. Ironically, the picture was taken in the same week that the Carraroe oil leak was detected. Pic: Will Browne
University oil leak contaminates Carraroe water supply
Oil from a fuel line in the Acadamh
continued: “The university engaged
At one point, up to 5,000 people
in Carraroe (An Cheathrú Rua) has
an environmental contractor to carry
were instructed not to use their tap
leaked into the public water supply,
out these works after it had been
water, however, this number was
contaminating drinking water for
made aware of the issue.”
quickly reduced to 1,500. Water
Clubs Pullout Summer Options pages 10-13
tankers were deployed by Galway
much of south Connemara. It has been confirmed that the leak was
Claims have been made in the
County Council to serve the affected
caused by weather damage to the
community that the leak has existed
area.
fuel line.
for some weeks and that there has been a smell of oil in the area, which
Independent councilor Seosamh
The university issued a statement
was reported to Galway County
Ó Cuaig said: “It’s just another in a
saying that “remediation works” have
Council. The Connaught Tribune
string of problems in Carraroe water
been carried out on the property
reported that the oil may have been
quality over the years.”
following discussions with Galway
leaking from an underground pipe
County Council. The statement
for up to five weeks. If this is the case,
By Richard Manton
The Year in Review