Our 5 day vigil outside An Garda Siochana station, Buncrana, in support of the Dublin 5 water meter objectors, Damien O Neill, Bernie Hughes, Michael Batty, Derek Byrne and Paul Moore. This was a way of showing our support for the prisoners, as well as our disgust at the way our government, the judicial system and Irish Water have and are treating them. It is a totally unfair system where Irish Water are using hundreds of thousand of euros of our money to take injunctions against water protestors who could not afford a fraction of that. These protestors went to jail for their convictions rather than succumb to the bullyboy tactics of the Fine Gael/Labour government. The five protestors only acted in the interest of people of Ireland protecting our national resource, water, for future generations against the avarice of a multinationals.
We called on our government to release the Dublin 5. We have repeatedly called on the government, Irish Water and An Garda Siochana to meet with the public to discuss a peaceful way forward as demonstrated by residents of Moneymore Drogheda. To date only An Garda Siochana have met with us. Why has this peaceful solution not been taken up by all concerned. Why do the Government and the national media dwell on violence and negativity while on the ground we have the success story of the community in Moneymore.
Left to Right: Mr. James Quigley (Chairman, Buncrana Against Irish Water), Anita Collins and Gary Collins (delegation from Moneymore
Residents Association, Drogheda)
Buncrana Against Irish Water And Moneymore Peaceful Initiative
Buncrana Moneymore Initiative
PART 1 - Approach Sgt Sean Barrett Re Agreement With Irish Water
The above group has now formally written to the local Garda
Superintendent requesting an urgent meeting in anticipation of the arrival
of the Irish Water metering squads to Buncrana in the very near future.
Other towns in the Inishowen peninsula are on standby waiting and
hoping for success in Buncrana in their very worthwhile strategy so that
they may also replicate what seems like a lot of common sense for all
sides.
The fact that the groups article ( see link below ) has received massive
public approval with 300 'recommends' on Donegal Daily website
demonstrates huge support for the proposed solution to the controversial
water metering installations.
Iink to article: http://www.donegaldaily.com/2015/02/08/locals-to-meet-
with-gardai-over-fears-of-conflict-with-irish-water/
PART 2 - Meeting With Sgt Barrett And Results
A delegation from 'Buncrana Against Irish Water' had a very constructive
meeting on Wednesday last with Sgt. Shaun Barrett ( Co-ordinator for
Water-Protests ) in the local garda station. The main purpose of the
meeting was to bring to the attention of the local Gardai the outcome of
some very successful negotiations that took place in Moneymore, Co.
Louth after substantial difficulty between Irish Water meter installers and
the local residents. We, the residents of the Inishowen Peninsula wanted
to find out if we could replicate this peaceful agreement in our home
towns and avoid the potential breakdown in law and order as occurred in
Moneymore when Irish Water attempted to force the installation of water
meters against the wishes of the local residents. We would like to thank
Sgt. Barrett for his help and co-operation but the disappointing news is
that GMC Sierra ( the company responsible for the overall water meter
installations across Ireland ) responded to our peaceful and civilised
request by stating 'they had no mandate to meet residents for discussions
nor indeed did they intend to'.
This hard uncompromising opening position is extremely disappointing
to say the least as it demonstrates very little empathy or understanding
for the concerns of those residents who feel they are entitled to refuse the
installation of an Irish Water meter against their wishes. We pointed out
that feelings are running very high in relation to this topic and that all
possible action should be taken to prevent the potential breakdown of law
and order and that the Moneymore model was the road to travel.
Equal respect was the key to this agreement Iin Moneymore hammered
out over a two months period ( please see attached media article ) of
consultation between all parties involved. Respect for An Garda Siochana,
respect for the meter installation employees and respect for the
residents. The treatment that was dished out to the residents of
Moneymore was totally unacceptable as would be a similar scenario if it
was to be attempted in Inishowen. These residents deserve the height of
respect for demanding that they be treated in a civilised fashion which is
the least any law abiding community is entitled to.
We would like to believe that the hard line position being adopted by Irish
Water and GMC Sierre is simply their opening gambit and by no means
their final one. A civilised respectful solution is called for on all sides and
movement to agreed middle ground must be found. Nothing should be
written in stone at this time and all sides should demonstrate
compromise, if required, to reach an agreed acceptable solution.
A delegation from the Moneymore residents group has very generously
agreed to travel to Buncrana to attend a meeting in the Plaza next
Thursday night at 8pm. They will explain in detail the road they have
travelled with a view to helping us avoid the breakdown of civil society
that occurred in their town. Our campaign group 'Buncrana Against Irish
Water' would very much appeal to all citizens of Inishowen, and indeed
farther afield, to make their way to this important meeting. We would like
to extend an invitation to An Garda Siochana, representatives of Irish
Water/ GMC Sierra and ALL elected representatives in the hope and with
the help of Moneymore we can all play our part in achieving a mutually
acceptable agreement to this impending situation.
http://droghedalife.com/791/106090/a/moneymore-chooses-negotiation-
rather-than-confrontation-over-water-meters
RESPECT IS THE KEY
PART 3 - Public Meeting Called In Lake Of
Shadows Hotel, Buncrana - Delegation from
Moneymore to Attend
'A Hell of a Meeting' was the dominant comment of the two hundred plus
people who came to the Lake of Shadows Hotel in Buncrana to hear Anita
and Gary Collins from Moneymore in Drogheda relate, step by step, their
battle with Irish Water meter installers.
The two hour meeting passed in a blink as we were taken through the
various stages of this struggle as the Moneymore residents stood up to
waves of intimidation and bullying as they demanded to be listened to and
treated with respect. Not an inch of ground was given until this mighty
community got what they felt they were always entitled to. A three way
agreement was hammered out between the residents, the meter installers
and An Garda Siochana with 'mutual respect' being the order of the day.
1. Meters for those who wanted them. ( the residents carried out detailed
survey of 600 houses on the 3 estates )
2. No intimidation of meter installers as they went about their agreed
work.
3. No Irish Water meters for residents who made it clear they didn't want
one.
This agreement is still in place and holding and stands out as a shining
example of what determined resident groups can achieve by standing up,
standing tough and demanding what every law abiding community is
entitled to - RESPECT.
A more detailed account of this fine meeting, and the way forward for us,
will be forthcoming shortly as all the information Gary and Anita had with
them is collated and disseminated. A massive round of applause was
given for coming to Buncrana and firing up the local communities who
have now agreed to start organising immediately. Big word of thanks to
Jim Quigley ( C'man Buncrana Against Irish Water ) for driving Gary and
Anita back to Drogheda today having gone down for them yesterday..
( Credit where its due ). The plan is there, has already proven it works, its
time to repeat it and as the man said ' A Hell of a Meeting'
Irish Water Personnel Attend Meeting Without Saying
A short message for the GMC Sierra personnel who infiltrated our
'Buncrana Against Irish Water' meeting in the Lake of Shadows Hotel last
night.
We hope you listened hard and listened well to the comments of the
people of Buncana and carried them back faithfully to your masters.
You did not need to sneak in to the meeting, as if you might well be
criminals - we would have made you welcome. You left again under the
cover of darkness and slinked off into the night afraid to let it be known
you were there.
You heard us call for an agreement of mutual respect - be assured we will
accept nothing less.
PART 4 – Results Of Meeting
MUTUAL RESPECT.
Following the very successful meeting of Buncrana residents in the Lake of
Shadows Hotel on Thursday, 19th February, the committee of the
campaign group, Buncrana Against Irish Water, has forwarded, by
registered post, an invitation to the Irish Water metering company to
engage in discussions with local residents.
The discussions will centre on reaching an acceptable, and civilised,
position for both sides. The topic for discussion will circulate around
'Mutual Respect'. This message emanated, loud and clear, from our recent
meeting.
We are determined to achieve the recognition that, as a law abiding
community, we have certain rights that cannot be ignored or trampled on,
while, at the same time, taking on board the fact that the water metering
company has a job to do without hindrance or annoyance from anyone.
We earnestly appeal to Irish Water to come to the discussion table and
engage with the residents.
Our position is that water meters will be installed only in houses where it
is known that they are wanted. To that end, the campaign group, together
with residents, will carry out a door to door survey ( as they did in
Moneymore ) to determine peoples wishes in this regard.
We are all too aware of the potential for civil discord which must, if at all
possible, be avoided.
Buncrana Against Irish Water extends this invitation in all good faith, and
in good time, to enable all sides to come together in the hope of agreeing
a satisfactory position. A mutually acceptable third party adjudicator will
be considered, in the event of an impasse
This is most definitely the best road to travel. It was outlined by the
delegation from the Moneymore residents group at the recent meeting,
where they stated that such an agreement is already in place back in
Drogheda. The residents at The Lake of Shadows meeting wholeheartedly
and unanimously agreed that this should be the way forward.
The Buncrana Against Irish Water campaign group would earnestly appeal
to all people in the locality to get behind this initiative, give it a fair wind,
and demonstrate that a civilised solution is not beyond our reach.
PART 5 – Registered Letter Of Invitation To Irish Water
To Irish Water
Calvill House
24-26 Talbot Street9
Dublin 1
To whom it may concern
I am writing to you as chairman of Buncrana Against Irish Water. I would
like to invite you, GMC Sierra Ltd to meet with us to discuss the
impending Irish Water metering programme in our hometown of Buncrana
and surrounding areas.
Our organisation, is a properly constituted residents/campaign group with
a duly elected officer board and wider representative committee set up to
campaign against the installation of water meters by Irish Water.
Nevertheless we feel it would be in the interest of all side to debate this
topic with the view of reaching a mutually respectful position where you
may complete your work and at the same time respecting the rights and
wishes of the local residents.
I look forward with anticipation to your response
Yours faithfully
Jim Quigley (Chairman Buncrana Against Irish Water)
PART 6 – Reply from Irish Water
Section of audience in Lake Of Shadows
PART 7 – Our Reply To Irish Water by email Irish Water
Reference Number:0399707382
To Ruth McKenna
Customer Service Adviser
Uisce Eireann
Irish Water
March 2015
Dear Ruth McKenna
Thank you for your 4th March 2015 reply to our letter of 21 February
2015 asking for a meeting with Irish Water and GMC Sierra who we believe
are the overall metering contractors. I notice that you have passed on
our request to GMC Sierra, however, they have not replied to date.
Unfortunately your reply does not address our request as stated in our
letter. We asked to meet with Irish Water as well as GMC Sierra. We
feel it is a very reasonable and sensible request. We represent
households in Buncrana who have no contract with Irish Water and who
feel strongly that you should not be forcing water meters on them
against their will for a number of reasons. We know you believe that
the Water Services Acts of 2007 and 2013 give you the right to do this.
However, we feel that under the Constitution and under various
legislations we have a right to refuse your water meters.
I again ask you Irish Water in the interest of public safety and
fairness to facilitate our request to meet with us in Buncrana to see if
we can come up with a sensible compromise and I ask you to priorities
this.
Yours sincerely
James Quigley
Chairperson Buncrana Against Irish Water
This is the history to date of the Initiative. We await both GMC Sierra Ltd and Irish Water replies. We will update this article when we hear from them.
Serious Questions Demand Enquiry
Buncrana Against Irish Water Call For Immediate
Enquiry
Serious and far reaching information has been unearthed by the local campaign
group Buncrana Against Irish Water. The group has studied this information in
great detail for some time and now believe that its time the citizens and residents of the Inishowen
peninsula have a right to know whats happening in their name.
1. 52,000 water stopcocks have gone missing in County Donegal and no one has any idea where they
are.
2. Many lengths of water mains are running through private property . In Buncrana the areas include
Lisowen Green, Lisowen Ave, the Duck Row. These areas are private property and cannot be accessed
without the permission and co-operation of the landowners.
3. Water piping and associated infrastructure belonging to group water schemes are buried on private
land. Again no one can access these without the co-operation and permission of landowners. Group
water schemes in the Buncrana area like Tullydish, Clonglash, Ballymagan and Sledrin.
4. In Buncrana alone private estates that are not taken over by the local authority include, The
Hawthorns, The Woods , Connaberry, Mulberry Ave, Cloncool, The Meadows, Burwood, Summer
Hill, Elm Park, St Johns Park, Ard na Greinne Mannor, Riverside Straboe, Oakfield Cresent, Oakfield
Court, Lisowen Court, Hillview, Sandeymount, and Allendale. Residents in these estates can refuse
Irish Water entry. They can stop Irish Water tampering with their property and installing water meters.
These revelations question how much information the Government and Irish Water are not telling us?
How much are they brushing under the carpet? The Irish people have been misinformed and
hoodwinked right from the outset into believing what Irish Water and our Government are doing is
bona fide. However, on a daily basis we are finding out about further discrepancies, half truths and
misinformation. We can only conclude that what they are doing is highly suspect.
Irish Water's modus operandi is based on the Water Services Acts of 2007 and 2013. Both Alan Kelly,
Minister for the Environment and officials from Irish Water quote various sections of these acts to
justify entering your property and installing meters. Irish Water would have you believe that they have
an automatic right under these acts to do this. That is not true. If you are assertive, according to law
and your constitutional rights, you can refuse Irish Water permission to enter your estate, land or
dwelling, to tamper with your property and to install meters. This includes all private estates, land,
property like those mentioned above. Irish Water and the government are relying on householder's
silence, their fear, their lack of knowledge and their inability to afford legal fees to get meters installed
as quickly as possible.
Your constitutional rights in relation to private property, the family and control of essential resources
are sacro sanct and no amount of subsequent legislation allows them to be superseded. If Irish Water
persist in attempting to enter your estate/property and you refuse entry, they must, under the law, take a
case to a court of law for determination. Bulldozing over the rights of the people is not acceptable. For
this to be going on for months all over Ireland is totally unacceptable in a democratic society. In
Maurland Estate in Carrigaline, Cork, one of the main private estates, the residents refused Irish Water
permission to enter their estate. Irish Water did not go into Maurland Estate and they did not seek a
court order.
Alan Kelly, Minister for Environment and Irish Water refer to sections of the Water Services 2007 and
20013 Acts and say that Irish Water are able under law to enter estates and install meters and that they
do not need resident/owners permission to do so. In an email to a local TD, minister Kelly said
“Section 72 also provides Irish Water with the authority to access, install, read, repair or replace a
water meter.” However, the part of the Water Service Act 2007 which is not referred to is Section 22.
(3) which states “An authorised person shall not, other than with the consent of the occupier, enter into
a private dwelling under this section unless he or she has obtained a warrant from the District Court
under subsection (8) authorising such entry”.
Our Government and Irish Water never mention our constitutional rights such as Article 41-1 1, (The
state recognises the family possessing inalienable and impresciptible rights antecedent and superior to
all positive law) or Article 45-2 (iii), (ownership and control of essential commodities) or Article 40-5,
(the dwelling of every citizen is inviolable).
Other questions in law which are ignored are, The Family Home Protection Act, 1976, (defination of a
dwelling), The Housing (Misecllaneous Provisions) Act 2002, Section 19C, (prohibits entry to your
land), The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 sec 13- (1),( trespass) and The Sale of Goods
and Supply of Services act, 1980 Section 47, (Miscellaneous, Unsolicited Goods).
Buncrana Against Irish Water demand an immediate enquiry into this very disturbing state of affairs.
We believe the people of Ireland deserve a detailed explanation to what is a very serious and disturbing
situation. Immediate clarity is called for. We demand that Irish Water stop their metering programme
immediatley until it is reviewed by an impartial, independent body. We now call on all our elected
representative in Inishowen and elsewhere to back us in this demand.
Buncrana Together March 2015
