Funding For County Clare Public Water Supplies

The Junior Agriculture Minister confirmed that the funding from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is being allocated to seven separate schemes throughout the county.

The schemes include O'Briensbridge (3 sources including Ardtaggle) Public Water Supply Scheme (EUR10,485), Broadford Public Water Supply Scheme (EUR6,990) and the Turlough Public Water Supply (EUR3,495), which will each be fitted with a chlorine monitor and alarm.

Ennistymon/Lisdoonvarna Public Water Supply Scheme (EUR9,375), Flagmount Public Water Supply Scheme (EUR9,375), Miltown Public Water Supply Scheme (EUR15,000) and Shannon Public Water Supply Scheme (EUR9,375) will also be fitted with a chlorine monitor and alarm, plus a turbidity meter on raw water, on each filter and on combined treated water.

Commenting on the background to the allocation of funds, Minister of State Killeen explained, ‘Earlier this year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a list of public water supplies where detailed profiling was required to guarantee safety and security of supply to consumers. As part of the strategy to deal with these supplies the Department has introduced a special contingency fund for local authorities to finance improvement works, such as upgraded disinfection facilities, chlorine and turbidity monitors and dial-out alarms to warn of treatment plant malfunctions.’

‘I am delighted that funding has been set aside for works on seven public water supplies. The funding allocation of EUR64,095 will enable Clare County Council to set about implementing the necessary improvements as quickly as possible to ensure that all drinking water supplied to the general public is clean and wholesome’, he added.

Minister of State Killeen continued, ‘Resolving issues affecting drinking water quality is recognised as a top priority in the Programme for Government. For example, in the immediate aftermath of the EPA’s publication on public water supplies, the Department - in consultation with the Agency and with the local authorities - moved quickly to agree and implement urgent improvements in all cases.’

‘I now look forward to work on the seven Clare schemes being completed by the end of 2009’, concluded Minister of State Killeen.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry), is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900