2016

Improvement in water services expected after €200m upgrade of Vartry Waterworks

andrew 2016, Environment, Wicklow - East Carlow

8323438504_41a580e47c_bFine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, has welcomed the application by Irish Water for planning permission for a €200 million upgrade to Vartry Waterworks in Wicklow.

“Vartry Waterworks, one of the oldest drinking water treatment plants in the country, supplies water to over 300,000 customers.

“Many residents in North Wicklow were affected by a reduced domestic water service in the past number of years due to algae bloom in the Vartry Waterworks during March to May. This urgent investment will prevent this from reoccurring as a new slow sand filtration treatment plant will be built.
“The Environmental Protection Agency identified the Vartry Waterworks as being at high risk of failure and if this occurred it would result in significant supply problems for an extended time in Wicklow.
“If approved, this project will include construction of a new water treatment site, a 4km pipeline and pumping station to transfer water from the site to Carlow Hill. Aging pipes and fittings at the Vartry reservoir will also be replaced and improvements to the slipway will be made. If this planning application is approved by Wicklow Country Council this project will be completed by 2019/2020.
“Currently Irish Water is carrying out surveys required to develop a €30 million Arklow Waste Water Treatment Plant Project. When this plant is opened it will benefit the people of Arklow as untreated wastewater will be no longer be discharged into the Avoca River. The continued investment by Irish Water in Wicklow water infrastructure is very much to be welcomed.”

New Traditional Farm Buildings Grants for GLAS Farmers

andrew 2016, Agriculture, Employment, Housing, Tourism, Uncategorized, Wicklow - East Carlow

irelandFine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, has welcomed the Department of Agriculture’s New Traditional Farm Buildings Grants for GLAS Farmers which will aid the conservation of traditional farm buildings on GLAS farms in Wicklow.

“The New Traditional Farm Buildings Grants scheme for Irish farmers that will ensure that small traditional farm buildings in Wicklow, which are of significant cultural and heritage value, can be restored and conserved for practical agricultural use.

“Grants will be made available to carry out approved conservation works on traditional farm buildings, including roofs, outside surface of walls, windows and doors. Grants will also be available for related structures such as historic yard surfaces, landscape features around the farm such as walls, gates and pillars.

“To be eligible for the scheme, buildings and other related structure must have architectural or vernacular heritage character and make a contribution to the setting.

“These grants will maintain the character of farms and will create employment in the building industry especially, for highly skilled traditional building tradespeople. This scheme will benefit farmers who may have missed out on the grants in the REPS 4 traditional farm building grants between 2007 and 2013.
“Grants awarded under this scheme will not exceed 75% of the cost of the works. The maximum grant is €25,000 and the minimum grant is €4,000. The first tranche of grants opens immediately and completed forms must be returned to the Heritage Council before 5pm on Friday 6th May 2016. More information can be found at www.heritagecouncil.ie.