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Tullamore to benefit from €21.5M investment in water quality

5th November 2018

PROBLEMS with lime content in the water supply on Tullamore's northside could be a thing of the past thanks to a multi-million investment by Irish Water.

A contract for  a €21.5 million upgrade to the water supply schemes in both Tullamore and Birr was announced by the State utility on Monday.

The investment will result in significant improvements to water quality and security of supply for 18,000 people and businesses in Co. Offaly, a statement from the company stressed.

Welcoming the announcement, local Dail deputy, Barry Cowen said “this is the type of investment that is needed to improve our water infrastructure, and should have been the priority all along, instead of a failed billing system.”

The contract for the works has been awarded to Murphy Process Engineering Ltd. for the design, construction and commissioning of three water treatment plants and additional treated water storage reservoirs. The work is due to start in the coming weeks and is expected to be completed by 2020.

The construction works will be spread across three locations at Arden, Clonaslee and Birr.

The works will be primarily located on lands recently acquired by Irish Water from local landowners with little construction impact on public roads.

Speaking at the contact signing, William McKnight, Infrastructure Programme Regional Lead at Irish Water said, ‘We are delighted to sign this contract for the works and get them under way as quickly as possible. Due to this investment by Irish Water, by 2020, both Tullamore and Birr will have drinking water that is significantly improved. A dependable and secure drinking water supply will ensure that both towns have the required water infrastructure to support ongoing economic growth and social development.’

The Irish Water project team will work closely with business and residents in Tullamore for the duration of the works to ensure minimum disruption to local water supplies.

Deputy Cowen said the upgrade is vitally important for the communities of Birr and Tullamore, and will ensure better quality water for up to 18,000 people.  

“This is a major investment and will include new water treatment plants, reservoirs at Ardan and Birr,” said the Fianna Fail public representative.

Added Deputy Cowen: “I look forward to seeing progress being made on project, and will keep residents informed of any and all developments as they arise.”

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