Two years since Minister’s first announcement supplies still not upgraded
Local TD Denis Naughten has welcomed approval of funds to allow for the urgent upgrade of the four regional water supplies in Boyle, South and Mid Roscommon and Arigna by the Department of the Environment.
“This is positive news but it is also not before time,” stated Denis Naughten. “All of these schemes have required upgrading for over 10 years, but it has taken until now for the final approval to come through from the Department of the Environment.
“It is imperative that immediate action is taken to ensure that the boil water notices are lifted from the South Roscommon and the Boyle/Ardcarne water supplies as soon as possible.”
Denis Naughten added: “The current boil water notices in South Roscommon, Castlerea and Boyle are not only causing huge concern among the public but are also damaging for the promotion of County Roscommon. There have also been on-going problems with the Mid Roscommon and Arigna water schemes over a long period of time and I now hope that these problems can be resolved once and for all.
“The project will involve the installation of a filtration and ultraviolet light treatment system and, while it cannot be done overnight, it will effectively deal with the risk of cryptosporidium in the water supply.”
He continued: “It is frustrating to note that exactly two years ago Minister Phil Hogan announced funding for these projects on a visit to Roscommon Town and now, two years later, the Minister is again visiting the county making the same announcement after three separate boil water notices have been issued. These delays are not good enough, in particular for those who have to now use bottled water just to brush their teeth.
“Later this week, I will again be raising the issue of the need to address the boil water notice in Castlerea with Minister Hogan.
“While this is a positive development for those who have tolerated poor water quality, it does not come without its downside. As a result of this decision the local water schemes will be handed over to a private contractor who will control and operate the water supply in future. It is disappointing to see that public water supplies are now effectively being privatised which may have long term economic consequences,” concluded Denis Naughten.
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