Environment

Arklow welcomes long awaited opening of new Wastewater Treatment Plant – Doyle

Andrew Environment, Wicklow - East Carlow
Key investment in Arklow shows Government commitment to improving country’s water services

1_209780_Wastewater-PlantFine Gael General Election candidate for Wicklow/East Carlow, Andrew Doyle has joined in welcoming the opening today, of the new €10 million Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant and says this shows this Government’s commitment to providing ongoing improved water service infrastructure throughout the country.

“The new state of the art facility opened today provides adequately for future economic and population growth and reflects this Governments commitment to provide sustained investment over the coming decades in water services.

“Irish Water invested €340million in improving water and waste water services in 2014 and over €363million during 2015.  Irish Water intends to spend €532million on water services in 2016. Capital investment in the region of €700million per annum is required for a period of several decades to address the deficiencies that exist in the country’s water infrastructure.

“The official opening of the facility marks the completion of the Arklow Water Supply Scheme Project which has been ongoing for the last ten years and has involved a total investment of over €10 million in providing the town with a secure water supply.

“Irish Water has committed to investing over €30 million in a new wastewater treatment plant for the town where wastewater is discharged without treatment. A preferred site for the location of the new plant has been selected and an Environmental Impact Assessment is currently underway.
 
“Arklow can thankfully now depend on a safe and secure water supply which is to be hugely welcomed and this investment is of vital importance to Arklow in terms of the town’s re-development and regeneration. It will help to enhance Arklow and make it more attractive in terms of regional development which is also a key Government strategy which recognises the role of competitive regions in supporting Ireland’s return to overall economic growth”.

Doyle stresses need for long term plan for Protection of the Murrough to Taoiseach and MEP Sean Kelly

Andrew Environment, Tourism, Uncategorized, Wicklow - East Carlow

Andrew and Taoiseach 090216 Andrews office campaignIn welcoming Taoiseach Enda Kenny to Wicklow town this week, Fine Gael General Election candidate Andrew Doyle, took the opportunity to highlight the need to secure a long term plan for the protection of the Murrough outlined the next steps towards achieving this goal.

Doyle had also recently invited Sean Kelly MEP to see first-hand the existing erosion as well as the damage that has been caused by recent severe weather.

Andrew with Sean Kelly MEP and group at Murrough Janury 2016Speaking at Doyle’s campaign launch last weekend, Sean Kelly MEP outlined that he had raised the issue of the Murrough at length with Commissioner Cretu, EU Commissioner for Regional Policy. The outcome being that a Government submission will have to be made and that local council needs to do an assessment and make an application under the Regional Development Structural Funding programme.

“I am aware that Wicklow Co Council has been working closely on this issue together with the relevant campaign groups and there is a genuine acknowledgement of the requirement for further funding to enable a long term plan to sustain, maintain and protect the Murrough.

“I am in contact with the local authority and am aware that they are working on the relevant assessment and making the necessary application for funding. I am raising this with the Minister of the Environment to ensure the Government submission is made to EU Commissioner Cretu without delay.

“The Murrough is a vital resource and amenity for the people of Wicklow town and its significance resonates with walkers, sports enthusiasts, anglers, swimmers and tourists alike. I will continue to liaise appraise with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Sean Kelly MEP in raising the issue of securing a long term commitment for protecting the Murrough,” added Doyle.