De Búrca welcomes €247m investment in County Wicklow water schemes
Green Party Senator, Déirdre de Búrca has welcomed the announcement of a €247 million investment in County Wicklow’s water schemes. The funding, announced this morning as part of the Government’s Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, will ensure a higher standard of drinking water and improved waste water treatment services.
Senator Déirdre de Búrca said: “I am delighted that Environment Minister John Gormley has looked favourably on County Wicklow . It is clear that a huge amount of investment in water and wastewater infrastructure is essential in the county. The total allocation of 247 million that County Wicklow received from Minister Gormley compares favourably with other counties such as Cavan which received 107 million, South Dublin which received 108 million, Dunlaoghaire Rathdown which received 169 million, Fingal which received 224 million and Kerry which received 121 million”.
Senator de Búrca has welcomed the 2.6 million investment in Enniskerry water supply in 2007 which she says is badly needed. She has also welcomed the planned expenditure in 2008 of 35 million on the Arklow Water Supply Scheme, the 8 million allocated to the Bray Catchment Sewerage Scheme, the 5 million allocated to the Dunlavin sewerage scheme, the 8 million allocated to the Newtown sewerage scheme and the 18 million that will be allocated to the Blessington Water Supply Scheme in two stages . “This investment is badly needed in County Wicklow and will be a relief to those with troubled water supplies” says Senator de Burca.
“Quality drinking water is a must for the people of County Wicklow ” says de Búrca.” We must be vigilant and ensure that our rivers and streams are kept clean and that the spreading manures or fertilisers within 1.5 metres of any watercourse is avoided. Industry and the local authority must be vigilant to protect this most precious resource, which we take for granted at times”. Senator de Búrca said: “This massive capital injection is tangible proof that the Green Party in Government is intent on protecting the water for all. Water has no boundaries; water is everybody’s issue and above all water is a fragile resource.”
