The newly completed Burrishoole community centre is left idle, as the fee that Irish Water is charging the voluntary organisation to connect it to a water supply is 87,000 euro.

The matter was raised by Westport Independent councillor Johno O’Malley at this week’s monthly meeting of Mayo County Council.

The councillor said the situation is a disgrace as the voluntary organisation cannot come up with such a large charge and he urged the Chief Executive of the authority, Kevin Kelly to intervene and to secure a more reasonable charge.

However, Director of Services John Condon said the authority has no influence on how Irish Water calculates its fees.

The new centre is being charged 57,000 euro for a connection and a further 30,000 for connection to a fire hydrant, and without both these connections a fire cert cannot be obtained for the facility.

Cllr O’Malley has been speaking to Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley about the situation….