Sewerage plants in pipeline for villages ‘late 2021/early 2022’
IRISH WATER will deliver sewerage plants for villages across County Wexford, but it will be three years before they are working.
Cllr Martin Murphy raised the need for a sewerage treatment plant in Fethard-on-Sea, saying one has been needed in the seaside village for 30 years. ‘It used to appear in the village bundles. The lack of a sewerage facility provides a massive stumbling block to all tourism in the locality. I am calling on Wexford County Council to seek a definitive answer from Irish Water as to when we can expect to see the project delivered,’ he said.
Cllr Anthony Donohoe said there are several North Wexford villages that need sewerage infrastructure to grow. He said villages like Kilanerin and Camolin are hamstrung by the lack of investment by Irish Water.
Director of Services Eamonn Hore said some sewerage have seen significant investment, mentioning the upgrading of Enniscorthy Sewerage scheme from a 16,0000 to a 24,0000 litre scheme. ‘It’s four months ahead of schedule,’ he said adding that investment is planned for Fethard-on-Sea, Ferns, Duncannon, Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Kilmore Quay, with work under way to have Ramsgrange included in a new sewerage plant in Mersheen near Duncannon. ‘ These will be delivered between now and late 2021, early 2022,’ he said.
CEO Tom Enright said planning permission and possibly even construction works can begin on a hotel in the Hook Peninsula area ahead of the opening of the plant.
IT is a source of national shame that Irish war veterans, who know more than most the power of our national flag, have resorted to sleeping on the streets of Dublin in green, white and orange sleeping bags, Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin told the Dáil.
‘ The Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen, ONE, is taking this step to raise awareness of the huge difficulties being faced by former servicemen and servicewomen,’ he said.
‘ONE is seeking funding to ensure it can operate and provide the supports they need. What is being done to secure the issues they have addressed, particularly a military psychiatrist? The Minister of State with responsibility for defence (Paul Kehoe) is in the Chamber. Will he undertake now to meet with ONE members to address their legitimate concerns that I believe would be supported by everybody in this House?’
In response Minister Kehoe said he wished to inform the House that he meets the ONE regularly.
‘I have increased its funding in the past 12 months by 108%, from approximately €40,000 up to €100,000. I have spoken to ONE on this specific issue.
‘ This is an awareness campaign. I am not aware of any veteran who is homeless on the street. I have asked if that is the case, they will get whatever assistance is required,’ he said.
On the military psychiatrist issue, he said he had submitted a proposal to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and he hoped to have that issue concluded shortly.