Irish Water working in partnership with Cavan County Council has opened the Kingscourt water treatment plant. The ceremony was performed by Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation and Cllr Madeleine Argue, Cathaoirleach, Cavan County Council.
This essential project, which was carried out by Veolia Water Ireland in consultation with Byrne Looby, will ensure many benefits for the area including the capacity for future population growth.
Ensuring an improved and more reliable quality of water
The new water treatment plant in Kingscourt, which was constructed following a €4 million investment by Irish Water, is ensuring an improved and more reliable quality of water for 3,200 customers in the Kingscourt area.
The Kingscourt scheme has also been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s remedial action list as a result of these works.
Cllr Argue said: “Today is a red letter day for the people of Kingscourt and surrounding areas. This new, modern treatment plant will ensure customers enjoy quality drinking water and a reliable service.”
Minister Humphreys said:“The government, through Irish Water, has invested €4 million in this project, and it’s fantastic to be here to see first-hand the positive impact of the investment here in Kingscourt.
"The works were made possible through the wonderful teamwork of Irish Water and Cavan County Council and, without a doubt, the project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when national and local stakeholders work together to deliver results for our communities.”
'Consumers now benefitting'
Padraig Hanly, Irish Water, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the official opening of this plant. Consumers, both residential and business, are now benefitting from a modern treatment plant capable of serving the existing and future residential and commercial development needs of Kingscourt and the surrounding rural areas.
"Water is one of the most essential substances on earth, critical for human health, the production of food and for industrial activity. The provision of clean drinking water and a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, is critical to the country’s economic and social development.”
The project included the construction of a new water treatment plant, and a storage reservoir at the existing Kingscourt Water Treatment Plant site.
This reservoir has provided much improved security of supply for the local residents. An off-site well was also developed at Descart, Co Monaghan, which provides the raw water supply to the new water treatment plant.
The new treatment plant comprises a robust filtration process and UV disinfection system to ensure a safe and secure water supply for the area.
€5.5bn investment in drinking water and wastewater quality
This project forms part of Irish Water’s investment plan. Works have been prioritised to address the most critical issues in line with commitments outlined in Irish Water’s business plan.
Delivery of the business plan will involve a €5.5 billion investment in capital spending on drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure up to 2021.