Thursday 14 December 2006

Roche Gives Green Light for Phase 1 of the Arklow Water Supply Scheme

From Dept. of the Environment:

Ø Development of new groundwater sources to supply Arklow Town and Environs
Ø Wicklow County Council to advance scheme to construction

Mr Dick Roche, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, today (14th December 2006) approved Wicklow County Council's contract documents for the development of 9 Production Wells under Phase 1 of the Arklow Water Supply Scheme.

"My approval of the contract documents now clears the way for Wicklow County Council to seek tenders and advance Phase 1 of this scheme to construction without delay", the Minister said. The estimated cost of the Phase 1 works is €2 million.

The Council is also advancing Phases 2 and 3 of the Arklow Scheme. Phase 2 involves upgrading the Ballyduff water treatment plant to increase capacity to supply the future needs of Arklow Town. Phase 3 will involve the development of additional water sources that should meet predicted demand in the Arklow area for the next twenty years.

"The Arklow Water Supply Scheme will cost in the region of €35m overall and is being funded from my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005 - 2007", the Minister said. "The scheme will greatly improve water services infrastructure in Arklow and environs and provide a solid platform for further economic and social development in the area for many years to come," added the Minister. "Given the importance of the scheme locally, I will be urging Wicklow County Council to get the tender process for Phase 1 underway as soon as possible".

The Arklow Water Supply Scheme is one of 18 water services schemes with a total value of over €191 million included in the Wicklow Water Services Investment Programme.

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