The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government released the following statement:-
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley approved Waterford County Council’s design proposals to upgrade and expand the water supply infrastructure in Ardmore and surrounding areas under the Ardmore Water Supply Scheme. The scheme has been included for funding under his Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2012.
Under the scheme, Waterford County Council proposes to undertake a programme of works to improve the water supply to the village of Ardmore, which has seen an expansion in the number of resident population along with an increase in tourist population. An extensive network of cast-iron mains that have been in use for over 70 years and are not of adequate size are to be replaced. New water treatment facilities and a reservoir are to be constructed at Curragh Hill. The existing reservoirs at Lisakeelty and Dysert are to be refurbished, and the capacities of the existing storage reservoirs are to be increased to ensure 24 hour storage. The Minister’s approval to the scheme design now clears the way for Waterford County Council to prepare the contract documents for the scheme with the view to seeking tenders at the earliest possible date. “Given the importance of the scheme locally”, said Minister Gormley, “I will be urging the Council to press ahead with preparation of the contract documents as soon as possible”.