County council plans to buy water services building meets criticism

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A county councillor is criticising the council's plans to buy the building it's currently leasing for water services. The property at Centrepoint in the Liosban Business Park in the city houses the council's water services and environment departments, and is due to go on sale shortly. However, Councillor Jim Cuddy says that Irish Water is now responsible for water and sewerage services, and the council shouldn't have to buy a building to house the services. Director of Services Jim Cullen told councillors that Galway County Council will charge Irish Water a large portion of the central management charge. He says buying the building as opposed to continuing to lease it could prove to be better value for money. County Council management is now considering its options in relation to the purchase, and are due to return their finding to the council in coming months. Councillor Jim Cuddy says he doesn't know why the council should have to purchase the building.