Doyle welcomes €4.2 million investment approval for Wicklow Town Water Supply Scheme

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, has today (Friday) welcomed the decision to approve an allocation of just under €4.2 million for the replacement of the watermain from Vartry to Cronroe, as part of the Wicklow Town Water Supply Scheme.

Speaking following the announcement, Deputy Doyle said: ‘I very much welcome this upgrade getting the green light. This water supply is a primary source for Wicklow Town and the surrounding areas, delivering to thousands of homes and businesses in the area. With this contract approval, the necessary funding will now be put in place to allow Wicklow County Council award the €4.18m contract for the replacement watermain.

“Approval was given last year to Wicklow County Council to seek tenders for the replacement of the watermain as part of Wicklow Town Water Supply Scheme. With this process now complete, the Minister has approved an allocation for a contract to be awarded.

“The water pipeline between Vartry and Cronroe has been a cause of concern for some time and has been identified as one in need of an upgrade. Every day, it delivers roughly 3.3 million litres through the distribution system. With this approval, a new larger pipe will be laid, bringing Vartry water from Callowhill to the Cronroe Reservoir, and the plan is to bring potable water to Cronroe for distribution in the medium term, ensuring the continuation of supply to Wicklow Town and surrounding areas.

“I commend Minister Hogan on the allocation of this funding for Wicklow Town. The contract is being funded under his Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013. Water is a precious resource and the provision of quality drinking water is the fundamental goal of this investment programme. Millions of euro is being spent by this Government on the provision of major water and wastewater schemes to meet key environmental objectives. Efforts towards water conservation and mains rehabilitation are part of the key to achieving this goal, in tandem with the development of wastewater treatment, in line with national and EU standards.

“Wicklow County Council will now be in a position to complete the formalities with the successful contractor. This project will modernise and greatly improve water infrastructure in Wicklow. I will continue to work with the Minister in the Dáil to ensure the works get underway as soon as possible.”

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