Contractor J Murphy & Sons will work to upgrade the facility in order to supply water to over 70% of the population of Cork City. The proposed works will replace existing treatment facilities at the plant, which is currently listed on the EPA's Remedial Action List (RAL). The RAL identifies supplies that are in need of improvement.
Speaking at the recent sod turning ceremony today, 08 November, Minister Murphy said: "It's great to be here today to mark the start of this €40m project which is so important for the future of Cork city. As we have seen with recent events clean water is vital for homes and families across the country and the investment by Government in this infrastructure will ensure a safe, secure and sustainable water supply in Cork city for many years to come. We are here on the site of the original water supply scheme for Cork City which was established more than 250 years ago and marked a crucial step in the city's development. This latest investment is another important milestone in securing Cork’s water supply into the future."
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He was joined by Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Fergal Dennehy, and representatives from Irish Water and Cork City Council to mark the milestone.
Eamon Gallen, Irish Water's General Manager, commented: "Irish Water is committed to safeguarding our water for our future and the size and scale of this challenge should not be underestimated. We are working hard in every county, building new treatment plants, fixing pipes, tackling leakage and upgrading existing infrastructure so that we can provide our customers with the best possible service.
"This major upgrade of the Lee Road Water Treatment Plant is a key project for Irish Water. Along with other investments in the water supply network across the city and county, it will provide state-of-the-art water treatment facilities, bringing enormous benefits for the people of Cork."
The upgrades at Lee Road Water Treatment plant are expected to take two years to complete.
(CM/JG)
