By Dan Walsh
More than 38,000 Uisce Éireann customers in Co Wexford can take comfort in the knowledge that both the Enniscorthy Regional and Wexford Town Water Supplies have been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of vulnerable supplies.
Investment of more than €30 million across the two large supplies has ensured the continued delivery of safe and reliable water for homes and businesses across both Wexford communities.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD welcomed the positive update from the EPA:
“Continued and serious investment in Wexford’s drinking water infrastructure is critical. I want to see more resilient water supplies for communities across this county. Robust water services are essential to the overall development of villages and towns.
“I have prioritised funding for water infrastructure as Minister and Uisce Éireann will continue to progress works to improve infrastructure in our area to improve water services for Wexford.
“I am working closely with Uisce Éireann to drive critical improvements to water supplies in our county. Today’s news in relation to water supply is most welcome particularly after the difficult few weeks Wexford has experienced from a flooding perspective.”
Pat Duggan, Regional Drinking Water Compliance Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “We are fully committed to identifying and addressing risks to drinking water quality. Our key focus remains the protection of public health through the provision of safe, clean, and secure water supplies for local communities.
“These critical upgrades ensure ongoing compliance with drinking water regulations and significantly reduce the risk of future water quality issues.
“This investment ensures the continued delivery of safe, clean drinking water to the people of Wexford town and Enniscorthy, enabling local communities to thrive.”
Over recent months Uisce Éireann has been busy delivering upgrades in both towns. The finish line is clearly in site on the €19 million upgrade to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply. The investment ensures a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, as well as allowing for future growth and development.
The project involved the replacement of the raw water intake to transfer water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant, the replacement of 2km of water main, the construction of a new pumping station and the upgrade of the water treatment facilities at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant.
While the delivery of both upgrade projects at the water treatment plants at Enniscorthy and Wexford Town are coming to a close, the works completed so far have facilitated the removal of both supplies from the EPA’s list of vulnerable water supplies. Works at both locations will be fully completed in early Spring.
FLASHBACK MAY 28th 2024; Pictured at a sod-turning ceremony at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant to mark the commencement of critical upgrade works to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme are;(l-r): Eamonn Hore, Wexford County Council; Fionnuala Callery, Wexford County Council; Cllr Cathal Byrne; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy; Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming; Diane Carroll, Uisce Éireann Portfolio Manager; James Browne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Justice; Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Jackser Owens; Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cllr Aidan Browne. (Pic; Uisce Éireann).
Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme
Uisce Éireann is approaching completion on a €19 million upgrade to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme. The project which will benefit over 12,000 consumers, will ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, as well as allowing for future growth and development.
The project includes the replacement of the raw water intake at Clonhaston to transfer water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant (WTP) – completed. Replacement of 2km of interconnecting raw water main – completed. Construction of a new pumping station – nearing completion. Upgrade of the water treatment facilities at Vinegar Hill WTP – nearing completion, and Landscaping and all associated site development works – ongoing.
Newtown Water Treatment Plant upgrade project
Uisce Éireann is nearing the completion of works to upgrade the Newtown Water Treatment Plant (WTP). This critical investment of €12.5 million, will benefit customers in Wexford Town and surrounding areas, ensuring the continued delivery of a clean, safe drinking water source. Although the overall project is not completed yet, the works undertaken to date have facilitated the removal of the Wexford Town Water Supply Scheme from the EPA’S Remedial Action List.
Creagh Water Treatment Plant Upgrade (Gorey)
Uisce Éireann is progressing an upgrade of the Creagh Water Treatment Plant. This project will benefit over 7,000 customers in Gorey, ensuring the delivery of a clean, safe drinking water source.
WexfordLocal.com 