By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
Senior Executive Engineer with responsibility for water services in Enniscorthy town and district, Tadhg O’Corcora, presented his final Water Report at the January meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council as he retires after 40 years of local authority service, the last 30 years with Wexford County Council including the last eight years based in Enniscorthy.
Always thorough in his reports and willing to listen to problems and follow up with practical action, Mr O’Corcora leaves Enniscorthy with the water services around Enniscorthy in a progressive and healthy quality and here are excerpts from his last report to members.
“In early June 2022 the Wexford County Council’s Direct Labour Crew commenced construction works for 2.3km of watermain replacement on Phase 2 of Old Dublin Road. The works were substantially completed in October 2022, and they are a few water meters remaining to be installed. These meters and general cleaning up will be completed in the next few weeks.
“Shareridge on behalf of Wexford County Council/Irish Water have prepared the following back yard services alterations plans to reduce leakages in the Enniscorthy watermains network. Shareridge have completed the Back Yard Services works in St. John’s Villas, Pearse Road and Redmond Street with works ongoing in Ross Road since August 2022 and Drumgoold since September 2022. Property owner agreement to carry out the individual connection works has been forthcoming in the majority cases and Shareridge are endeavouring to sign all property owners to enable completion of this vital water conservation works.
“Design of back yard service works for Parnell Avenue, Vinegar Hill Villas, Fr Cullen Terrace and UDC Range at the Shannon are currently being prepared.
“David Walsh Construction will be replacing ball valve hydrant in Friary Hill, Patrick’s Street, Lower Church Street, Irish Street x 2 and outside St Sennan Church in Templeshannon.
“The Find and Fix team have been working in Enniscorthy, Kiltealy, Castledockrell, Bree and Bunclody to carry out enabling works for repair of water mains.
“Irish Water (IW) is examining the increase in treatment capacity of Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant. Consultants Nicholas O’Dwyer’s have been appointed to carry out Phase 1A Capital design on a new permanent water supply Intake for Clonhasten to increase by 100% the water abstraction from the River Slaney, Planning permission has been granted for this development with a limit to water abstraction rate of 4,500 cubic meters per day which is an increase of 25% approximately on current abstraction volumes.
A notice of the Planning Authorities decision to grant was issued on 21st December 2022 with four conditions, including site investigation for 1.8km length Rising Main from Clonhasten to Vinegar Hill has been completed.
Irish Water are currently examining if it is feasible to increase yields from both Edermine and Killagoley Groundwater sources with a view to supplementing the existing Enniscorthy Town supply. Work on the provision of 3 no. trial well in Edermine will commence later in January 2023.
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