Sod turns on €19m upgrade for Enniscorthy Water Supply

By Dan Walsh at Vinegar Hill

Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Wexford County Council, has marked the start of construction on a €19 million upgrade to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme that will benefit over 11,000 consumers, ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, and enabling future growth and development in the area.

A sod turning ceremony to mark the start of the works took place on Monday morning at the Vinegar Hill plant led by James Browne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Justice and supported by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Jackser Owens in the presence of local councillors and representatives from Uisce Éireann and Wexford County Council. 

Diane Carroll, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “We’re pleased to mark the commencement of construction on this critical project for the people of Enniscorthy. It will address water quality and supply issues arising from deficiencies and bottlenecks in the existing water infrastructure. The upgraded infrastructure will ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply supporting growth and development of the town.”

Minister of State James Browne said; “I am delighted to be here today to officially turn the sod on these critical upgrade works. This project is pivotal to supporting future growth and development in Enniscorthy and will support the successful delivery of housing. I would like to commend all those involved in bringing the project to this important stage and commend Uisce Éireann for progressing this vital project as part of its going investment in Wexford.”

Critical improvements will include upgrading the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant, replacing the raw water intake facility and pumping station at Clonhaston. Approximately, two kilometres of new water mains will also be re-routed to facilitate the transfer of water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill plant.

The project is being delivered by David Walsh Civil Engineering Limited on behalf of Uisce Éireann and is due for completion by the end of 2025. Traffic management will be required at different stages throughout the construction phase of this project and impacted stakeholders will be notified directly.