Historic moment marked for Kilkenny Regional Water Supply Scheme
A small group gathered at Troyswood Water Treatment Plant this morning to witness at first hand the progress being made on the Kilkenny Regional Water Supply Scheme. Glan Agua hosted members of Kilkenny County Council, Uisce Éireann, and local business leaders to an onsite visit see the progress being made on site. The works will see the decommissioning of ageing assets and deliver a 21st century water supply for the city which will benefit 28,000 people.
Steven Seymour is Uisce Éireann's Capital Portfolio Delivery Manager;
"This is a really exciting and important project for Kilkenny City and its environs. The city is already a brilliant place to work, live and holiday in but we need to ensure that the water supply is robust and geared toward future social and economic development. This project will also ensure that the water supply is removed from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Remedial Action List (RAL) and that the communities and businesses who will benefit from the works will enjoy a more robust and secure water supply into the future.
"In addition, Uisce Éireann is committed to playing its part in the national drive to provide homes to people who need them by developing and prioritising the delivery of key water service infrastructure. Uisce Éireann continues to make progress in the delivery of water infrastructure to support housing and economic growth with 32,404 housing connections offered in 2021."
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Fidelis Doherty, who had committed to a prior engagement said;
"If you drive around Kilkenny City currently, you will see housing developments happening around the place and we need to continue with developments like this to build for the future. With that expansion in mind, this project is exceptionally important. We welcome Uisce Éireann's investment, their collaboration with Kilkenny County Council and Glan Agua's delivery of the project. It will increase water capacity and ensure high quality water supply for future growth of housing and businesses over the next 40 years. This will include current planned housing developments in the Breagagh Valley (West) and Loughmacask (North) of the City, the re-development of the former Brewery site the Abbey Quarter in the City Centre and business parks adjacent to the Kilkenny Ring Road."
John Hurley, Kilkenny Chamber, CEO, is acutely aware of the importance of a robust water supply for businesses;
"It was great to be here in person today to see the progress being made by Uisce Éireann and Kilkenny County Council. Infrastructure projects of this type provide an essential platform and service for businesses to thrive and to prosper and will place Kilkenny head and shoulders above competitors in relation to attracting business. Furthermore, the additional capacity will allow essential housing to be built which will cater for social and economic development for generations to come. I look forward to hearing of the progress Uisce Éireann are making in the months and years to come."
Uisce Éireann and Kilkenny County Council work collaboratively to ensure communities and businesses around the county receive the best quality water supplied to their taps daily but the work is often challenging as the network and assets are ageing and can be problematic.
The €33m investment will take 2 ½ years to complete. The upgrading and increase in capacity at the treatment plant at Troyswood will equip the plant to then become the primary water treatment plant facility for Kilkenny City. A new 2.9 km watermain from Troyswood to the Radestown site will connect to the existing service reservoirs and enable the Radestown plant to be decommissioned. Homes and businesses need not worry however, as the works are being carried out, water supply will continue to flow.
Uisce Éireann continues to work currently, with our local authority partners, contractors, and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.
Uisce Éireann's customer care helpline is open 24/7 and customers can call us on 1800 278 278. Customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries.
