Irish Water Invest €50 million in Water Infrastructure in Waterford – Minister Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that Irish Water has and will invest over €50 million in water infrastructure in Waterford City and County.  Minister Coffey said that water infrastructure is critical to build capacity which helps secure investments that create jobs in the long term.

“The 7 village sewerage scheme has been very important project in County Waterford that represents a €24 million investment in, Ardmore, Ballyduff/Kilmeaden, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Stradbally and Tallow which will result in improvements in these 7 towns wastewater systems that will service a population equivalent of 22,700 people.

“There have been other extremely important investments in Waterford, like the Cheekpoint Wastewater Plant and Network which is providing an up to date sewerage collection system at a cost of €3.6 million.  Lismore has also benefitted to the tune of €1.7 million with the Waste Water Treatment plant upgrade which will deal with the future needs of the Lismore area.

“Dunmore East, while also having investment in the 7 village sewerage scheme; is seeing a €3.7 million investment to deliver a new Wastewater Collection system that will see the expansion of the current system.  Works on this project are currently nearing completion.

“Irish Water is also rehabilitating the Water Network in Waterford City at a cost of €7 million which will see 30km of water pipes replaced over the coming period.  It is expected that these works will be completed by the end of the year.

“These investments show that having a single utility that is dedicated to improving water infrastructure is the correct policy to have.  Having a fit for purpose water infrastructure is key for job creation, making environmental improvements; retaining blue flag beaches; dealing with contamination and ensuring capacity for communities, residents and business.  Irish Water have further projects for Waterford over the coming period that will be worth in the region of €10 million.