Cork water projects may be delayed

Co Cork’s most senior engineer has warned that a number of projects earmarked by Irish Water to be completed by 2016 may not be done.

County engineer David Keane told a meeting of councillors in West Cork that Irish Water had three categories listed for water and sewerage schemes in the region.

He said that category A and B scheme were likely to be completed within the timeframe, but expressed concern that C schemes “could eventually fall off the list”.

These include sewerage treatment schemes in Rosscarbery/Owenahincha, and Shannonvale, near Clonakilty.

The list also includes the long-promised €6m Castletownbere area water scheme, a similar €7.76m project for Dunmanway, a €2.5m one in Skibbereen, and smaller water improvement schemes in the likes of Kealkil, Glengarriff, Durrus, Goleen, Crookhaven, and Ahakista.

This concerned many councillors, especially as they feel they don’t have the lobbying power they once had to get new and improved schemes off the ground.

Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan (FF) was told by council bosses that they could still make a case to Irish Water, but would have to send a formal letter to the new utility company.

However, assistant county manager James Fogarty added ominously: “We no longer have power over the water systems or what Irish Water will do.”

Cllr Noel O’Donovan (FG) said Irish Water’s A and B schemes amounted to a €55m investment in water and sewerage infrastructure in West Cork.

“We will see in three or four years’ time if Irish Water has been successful,” he said.

Mr Keane said that Irish Water had pencilled in to carry out €1bn worth of schemes nationwide before the end of 2016, of which €174m was to be spent in Co Cork.