After years of asking, and little by way of responses from Irish Water, Deputy Imelda Munster has finally received clarity, in writing, from the utility that Staleen Water treatment plant can supply an additional 15,000 homes in the Droghea area.
Deputy Munster said “Following a site visit to view the upgrade works in Staleen Water Treatment plant in 2018, questions were raised by myself and the Sinn Fein Councillors in attendance, on whether the plant could keep up with demand and have the capacity to supply the thousands of new homes planned for Drogheda and the surrounding areas.
“At that time the Irish Water engineers said that even when the upgrade works were completed, they could not supply much more than was currently being used which left the towns future expansion in doubt.
“This was swiftly denied by Irish Water’s PR department, but they would not provide figures to back their statements.
“The doubts persisted from 2018 until this week because Irish Water would not supply figures to councils, councillors or anyone else who asked the question. They refused to attend council meetings and the Infrastructure SPC to answer questions on it.
“The Construction Industry Federation conference had previously warned that a lack of water treatment is delaying the construction of much-needed new homes around the Republic.
“But now, finally, I have received confirmation from Irish Water that they can supply an additional 15,000 domestic units, so all the planned housing developments on the PANCR route and elsewhere around Drogheda will not be in question.
“I will be watching this matter closely to ensure it comes to fruition.
“Irish Water still need to improve their communication. The question on water capacity was asked for five years, by myself and many others, but I’m glad I was finally able to secure answers.
