€30m boost safeguards two of Wexford’s largest supplies

More than 38,000 Uisce Éireann customers in Co Wexford can take comfort in the knowledge that both the Enniscorthy Regional and Wexford Town Water Supplies have been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of vulnerable supplies.

Investment of more than €30 million across the two large supplies has ensured the continued delivery of safe and reliable water for homes and businesses across both Wexford communities.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD welcomed the positive update from the EPA: 

“Continued and serious investment in Wexford’s drinking water infrastructure is critical. I want to see more resilient water supplies for communities across this county. Robust water services are essential to the overall development of villages and towns. 

“I have prioritised funding for water infrastructure as Minister and Uisce Éireann will continue to progress works to improve infrastructure in our area to improve water services for Wexford. 

“I am working closely with Uisce Éireann to drive critical improvements to water supplies in our county. Today’s news in relation to water supply is most welcome particularly after the difficult few weeks Wexford has experienced from a flooding perspective.”

Pat Duggan, Regional Drinking Water Compliance Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: 

“We are fully committed to identifying and addressing risks to drinking water quality. Our key focus remains the protection of public health through the provision of safe, clean, and secure water supplies for local communities. 

“These critical upgrades ensure ongoing compliance with drinking water regulations and significantly reduce the risk of future water quality issues. 

“This investment ensures the continued delivery of safe, clean drinking water to the people of Wexford town and Enniscorthy, enabling local communities to thrive.”

Over recent months Uisce Éireann has been busy delivering upgrades in both towns. The finish line is clearly in site on the €19 million upgrade to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply. The investment ensures a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, as well as allowing for future growth and development. The project involved the replacement of the raw water intake to transfer water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant, the replacement of 2km of water main, the construction of a new pumping station and the upgrade of the water treatment facilities at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant.

Meanwhile, the €12.5 million upgrade at the Newtown Water Treatment Plant which serves customers in Wexford Town and the surrounding areas is nearing completion. It has modernised and improved the key water treatment processes at the plant.

While the delivery of both upgrade projects at the water treatment plants at Enniscorthy and Wexford Town are coming to a close, the works completed so far have facilitated the removal of both supplies from the EPA’s list of vulnerable water supplies. Works at both locations will be fully completed in early spring.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.