‘Close eye’ from TD on Strandhill plant

FIANNA Fáil TD Marc Mac Sharry says he will be keeping a close eye to ensure that work on the treatment plants in Strandhill, Tubbercurry and Ballinafad get underway soon. He has given a cautious welcome to the commencement of one of the four crucial sewage treatment upgrades at Grange. Works are also due to be carried out at Strandhill, Ballinafad and Tubbercurry.

Deputy MacSharry explained, “I have been raising concerns about the long delays in promised upgrade works at sewerage treatment facilities at Strandhill, Grange, Tubbercurry and Ballinafad. I was particularly worried about speculation that Irish Water was considering lowering the capacity at the plants in Strandhill and Grange, however I have now been informed that capacity has been increased to levels which will facilitate the growth of both areas.

“While workers are now on site in Grange, I will be keeping a close eye to ensure that work begins at Strandhill, Tubbercurry and Ballinafad gets underway without delay so that the proposed completion dates in 2019 are met. These communities have been waiting far too long for these upgrades to be approved, and this has stifled the potential of these areas to grow and perform.

“On completion, the Strandhill facility will see capacity increased from a population equivalent of 1500 to 3700, Grange will increase from 280 to 900 while Tubbercurry will see its capacity more than double from 1400 to 3500.”