Waterford Fine Gael TD John Cummins has confirmed that an agreement has now been reached between all parties in relation to the upgrading and taking in charge of theKnockateemore pumping station, which has been problematic for all residents from the Cruachán area in Dungarvan.
Deputy Cummins confirmed that a contractor has now been issued instruction by Uisce Éireann to upgrade the Knockateemore pumping station, with works expected tocommence in early 2025.
Speaking on the announcement Deputy Cummins said: “This has been a long and protracted process, but I’m delighted that we have now overcome some of the last hurdles. I obviously won’t be happy until the project is completed and operational,but I believe all the pressure which I and others have applied over the past twelve months has ensured this essential project was prioritised.”
In his capacity as a Senator, John Cummins made continuous representations to Uisce Éireann looking for a resolution on the matter. In June of this year, further to his initial representations, Deputy Cummins challenged the CEO of Uisce Éireann Niall Gleeson on the issue during the joint Oireachtas Committee for Housing, Local Government & Heritage. During the discussion the CEO Niall Gleeson said that he would take it away and would come back to Cummins on the matter.
It is understood there was continuous engagement between Waterford City and County Council, Uisce Eireann and the developers to come to a workable solution which all parties were agreeable to.
Following on from further correspondence by Deputy Cummins, Uisce Éireann confirmed last week that;
“The Local Authority has provided a strong commitment as regards the TIC application so current plans are for the contractor to start works on the Pumping Station early in the new year (2025)”.
Deputy Cummins concluded: “This has been a long process but thankfully the work and persistence has paid off. The current situation was simply untenable with odour and frequent blockages. I’d like to thank the residents of the Cruachán area in Dungarvan for initially reaching out to my office and for patiently working with me and all the other stakeholders to help get this over the line. I look forward to seeing the contractor start works on the pumping station in the new year.”