O’Donovan welcomes funding for Kilmallock Sewerage Scheme
Added April 24th, 2012
FINE Gael Deputy for County Limerick Patrick O’Donovan has welcomed the news that capital funding has been approved to enable Limerick County Council to pursue a €2.4m upgrading of the Kilmallock Sewerage Scheme.
In a letter written to Deputy O’Donovan, Environment Minister Phil Hogan said that he had approved the commitment of the necessary capital funding to “enable Limerick County Council to accept the tender of just over €2.4m from Coffey Water Ltd. for the Kilmallock Sewerage Scheme – Wastewater Treatment Works – Design Build Operate Contract.”
“This contract provides for the design, procurement, supply, construction, commissioning, testing and operation and maintenance for a twenty year period of new wastewater treatment works to the north-west of Kilmallock to treat flow and load from a population equivalent of up to 4,000,” said Deputy O’Donovan.
“The works also include a new main lift pumping station and storm water storage tank together with the construction of a rising main and new gravity trunk sewer. I’d like to commend local Councillor Mike Houlihan for the time and effort he has put into pushing this issue over the last number of years. I know it is something that has long been desired in Kilmallock and I’d also like to thank Minister Hogan for this allocation at a time when the nation’s finances are extremely tight.
“His approval of the necessary funding today allows Limerick County Council to complete the contract formalities with the successful tenderer so that the works can start as soon as possible.”
Speaking after news of the decision broke, Cllr Mike Houlihan said there had been concerns over the suitability of the Kilmallock Sewerage Scheme for several decades.
“As far back as the 60s and even the 50s, there had been warnings that the local system would need upgrading. For some time now, waste that couldn’t be processed in Kilmallock was being transported into Limerick for processing because the system in place here in the town just wasn’t adequate,” said Cllr Houlihan. “I’m delighted to see this has finally taken place and I’d also like to express my gratitude to Mi