Minister Cummins welcomes progress on Lismore Treated Water Storage Project

Minister of State for Planning & Local Government, John Cummins TD has welcomed progress on the much-needed treated water storage project in Lismore. He confirmed that Uisce Éireann will seek permission for the project in the next couple of weeks.

The project will now go through the statutory planning process as part of Uisce Éireann’s ongoing programme of work in Lismore to strengthen and protect the local drinking water supply.

Minister Cummins said: “I have worked extensively on this issue over the past 13 months. Following continued breakages in the system, a community group was formed and I hosted a meeting with very senior officials at Lismore Heritage Centre last year. Promises were made at that meeting that this treated water storage project would be prioritised and those promises are now being delivered upon. This is a vital infrastructure project that will serve the local community for years to come.”

Minister Cummins has worked closely with his Fine Gael colleague in the area Cllr. Niamh O’Donovan and both have stressed the urgency and importance of this project with officials at UisceÉireann in various forums. Most recently Minister Cummins held a further engagement with the senior team in government buildings where it was confirmed that land acquisition agreements would allow planning permission to be sought in a matter of weeks. The statutory notices have now been published.

“Work has been ongoing in recent months surrounding the design while negotiations have also taken place regarding the acquisition of land. These phases normally happen sequentially, but in this instance occurred concurrently given the urgency I have placed on the project as Minister. Residents and businesses in Lismore have faced continued issues relating to the loss of water supply and low water pressure and the continuation of this project is a step closer to bringing about a viable long-lasting solution that will benefit the area.”

Minister Cummins concluded by saying: “It must be acknowledged the very significant investment that has occurred over the past 12 months with mains rehabilitation and leak reduction teams carrying out extensive works which have helped to ease issues, but this project is essential to protect the supply in the event of issues arising with the pump station. I would like to thank all stakeholders who have engaged with me throughout this process, and I will continue to work with everyone until the project is completed.”