Water supply issues may delay plans

DRINKING water supply problems could further delay any planned new developments in Kenmare for a number of years.

Kerry County Council plans to use the River Sheen as the likely source of a proposed new€13 million water supply scheme.

But local and some national opposition to the use of the Sheen as a new domestic water source is increasing.

However, council officials warned that any rejection of the proposal could have strong implications for any likely development of the market town.

Some members of Kerry Co Council will, however, today object to a proposal by consulting engineers to abstract water from the Sheen. A vote is expected to be taken, on the issue, at a council meeting in Tralee.

The town has experienced serious problems with its water supply for several years and all development in the town has been put on hold until problems relating to water provision are resolved.

A council spokesman said there was an urgent need to tackle the difficulties and, if councillors rejected the consultants’ report, there would also be delays in providing a new water treatment plant in Kenmare.

“The scheme is crucial for progress and the development of the town,” he said.

All options had been looked at in the consultants’ second report.

But Kenmare Fine Gael councillor Patrick Connor Scarteen said he believed the Sheen was the wrong source.

“I feel there are alternative sources that should be looked at, including Lake Barfinnihy and other mountain lakes. The cheapest option – the Sheen – may not always be the best in the long run.

“I would hope the council would look at other sources that would not be to the detriment of surrounding communities,” he added.

However, the council has ruled out local lakes as potential sources for a number of reasons, including high costs.