Work On €5m Water Upgrade Project In Kenmare Complete

Work on a €5 million water upgrade project in Co Kerry is now complete.

The Kenmare Water Treatment Plant has been officially opened following Irish Water's upgrade to improve treatment facilities and ensure a clean, secure water supply for the local community.

The scheme has provided comprehensive treatment facilities, including a cryptosporidium barrier which will provide safe drinking water to the residents of Kenmare. The project also provides 24 hours reservoir storage capacity for Kenmare which enhances the security of supply.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, said: "I am pleased to be here in Kenmare today for the official opening of this vital piece of water infrastructure.


"Kenmare is rightly regarded as one of Ireland's top tourism destinations and providing a secure supply of clean, safe drinking water for local residents and visitors to the area is essential to the quality of life and development potential of the area. This investment in water infrastructure brings very significant benefits to this community now and into the future."

Gerry O'Donnell, Infrastructure Programme Manager with Irish Water, said: "We are delighted to officially open the new water treatment plant here in Kenmare. This upgrade of the plant was necessary to address the water treatment issues and ensure a secure and sustainable supply of quality drinking water for the local community.

"This project represents an investment of €5m by Irish Water in the Kenmare area. This is part of Irish Water's commitment to improving water quality throughout the country that has seen the number of supplies on the EPA's Remedial Action List reduced from 99 in 2016 to 77 at the end of 2017.

"This is one of a number of very significant projects in that have been completed or are near completion in Kerry, including new €30m Lough Guitane Water Treatment Plant which will provide a safer, more reliable water supply for more than 60,000 people in the Killarney area."

(LM)