Environment

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/ East Carlow, Andrew Doyle, has welcomed the progress and commitment to the Vartry Water Supply which demonstrates a significant focus to refurbishing this vital scheme.

“Treated Water from the Vartry provides drinking water for one of the most densely populated areas in the country. The supply area stretches from Roundwood through Wicklow, to South Dublin and serves over 220,000 people including a number of major businesses.

“The scheme has been built over 150 years ago and has been in need of urgent capital investment and modernisation. This is a top priority for the people of Wicklow and South Dublin.

“I very much welcome the planned upgrade works which include improvements at the Vartry Reservoir and Vartry Water Treatment Plant and a new connection between Vartry and Callowhill to replace the existing 4km long tunnel.

“Detailed plans and design have been prepared and environmental impact studies are currently underway which will be made available to the public.

“As a result of the upgrade, plans are also underway to extend the scheme to secure the water supply to areas of mid Wicklow; including Rathdrum, Aughrim, Annacurra, Avoca,Ballinclash, Roundwood, Laragh, Annamoe, Redcross, Conary and Glenealy in order to meet current drinking water regulations.

“It is intended that a number of local information days will be arranged to explain the proposed upgrades. This project is a top priority and I welcome the significant capital investment that will have a very positive impact on Wicklow and its surrounds.”

Fine Gael TD Andrew Doyle highlighted the need to protect the Murrough and emphasised the need for a long term plan when he welcomed MEP Sean Kelly to view the damage that has been caused by recent storms to the popular coastal location in Wicklow.

In explaining the popularity of this local amenity for sports clubs, walkers, swimmers, anglers as well as it’s importance from a conservation perspective; Doyle reiterated the need to ensure a long term plan is now put in place to protect the area.

“The need to conserve and protect the Murrough has been obvious for a long time. The recent flooding and severe weather has reinforced this need and revived awareness of its absolute necessity.

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

“Being from Kerry, I know that Sean Kelly MEP will understand the need to preserve and promote natural resources for the betterment of the local community and for the potential economic benefits that can result in so doing.

“It is vital that the necessary resources are allocated to the Murrough and I welcomed the opportunity to highlight this issue at a European level and I would be hopeful that the appropriate cooperation from our EU colleagues together with the Office of Public Works will result in a long term plan to save the Murrough. I will continue to liaise with my MEP colleagues to secure commitment and funding on this most important issue.”