Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, has received an update on water and wastewater services in Portmarnock and Naul in North County Dublin.
Irish Water have prioritised the sub catchment of Portmarnock for works in advance of the completion of the drainage area plan (DAP) in order to help safeguard the environment and to facilitate housing development. They have committed to delivering the replacement of Portmarnock Bridge pumping station, which when complete will ensure capacity for all existing flows and an additional 4000 units as well as provide for additional storm water storage. The project has received planning permission and is at tender stage. They are also carrying out structural, mechanical, and electrical surveys of the Portmarnock pumping station. The finding of the surveys will inform the options for immediate, medium term, and longer term upgrades. This final report is expected in Q1 2021. In relation to Naul Wastewater Treatment Plant which is not equipped with an overflow facility, Irish Water has recently finalised an agreement for works which will eliminate “wash out” overflow events at the plant. In addition, the plant is being prioritised for investment under Irish Water’s Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme. Commenting he said, “I recently met with Irish Water officials at their Leixlip plant to discuss a number of water infrastructure issues. As a TD for Dublin Fingal I have long been aware of the issues in Portmarnock and Naul and I want to see these fixed. “A number of months ago we had a sewage spill close Portmarnock's Velvet Strand. I immediately made contact with Irish Water and Fingal County Council and while I was glad to see the matter rectified immediately, I do not want to see incidences like that happen anywhere in our country. “The significant allocation of €1.4 billion for water infrastructure in Budget 2021 will mean that Irish Water can progress projects across the country including leakage reduction works, sewer upgrades and water and wastewater plant improvements,” he concluded. Local Minister Darragh O’Brien TD has welcomed the allocations for Corduff National School in Lusk, Holy Family Senior National School in Swords and Blessed Oliver National School in Balrothery under the newly announced Summer Works Scheme. The Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is designed to allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings. Minister O’Brien said it was very welcome to see the allocations made now, as it would give schools a good lead-in time to plan and deliver the projects in summer 2021. He said, “This year of all years, it’s important to support our schools. They have done an exceptional job in adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Corduff National School in Lusk, Holy Family Senior National School in Swords and Blessed Oliver National School in Balrothery have been allocated funding for much needed roof works. “It’s important to recognise the phenomenal work being done by our schools at present, in what are very difficult circumstances. I’m glad to see the Department showing their support for our schools too,” he concluded. Minister O’Brien encourages sports clubs to apply for €40m Sports Capital and Equipment Programme1/12/2020
-Applications open Friday 11th December-
Local Minister Darragh O’Brien TD has encouraged sports clubs in Fingal to apply for the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) when it opens for applications on Friday the 11th of December. €40 million has been announced for the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme and clubs can apply for grants online from 11th December to 12th February, 2021. Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “Sports clubs all across North County Dublin should register on the Department’s online system and then apply once applications open next Friday. We’ve seen clearly through the years that investment in communities through the programme has been hugely successful and of great benefit to the greater Fingal area. “We’ve also seen that this year in particular, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, sport has been an outlet which people of all ages have turned to. It’s critical for our physical and mental wellbeing. “This grant provides essential amenities for young people in particular and at the end of the day if we want as many young people as possible to participate in sport, we need to have appropriate facilities and equipment available. “As Chair of the North Dublin Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force I know that there are huge knock-on benefits in having young people participate in sport clubs and it’s grants like these which keep it all going. “Any club which needs assistance in their application can feel free to contact my office,” he concluded. |
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November 2023
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