A series of upgrades on the Bennettsbridge water supply in Co Kilkenny have delivered a safer and more clean service for the area.

The local supply has since been removed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Remedial Action List (RAL), benefitting over 4,600 customers.

The RAL identifies drinking water supplies that are 'at risk' of failing to consistently supply safe, clean drinking water. The Bennettsbridge supply has been given the thumbs up by the EPA following extensive investment and upgrade works by Irish Water working in partnership with Kilkenny County Council.

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Explaining work about the work, Irish Water's Ian O'Neill said: "The water treatment process at the plant was inadequate due to insufficient protection against cryptosporidium. The upgrades have provided a more advanced water treatment process, improving the drinking water quality and benefitting Bennettsbridge and the surrounding area through the delivery of a clean, safe drinking water supply.

"The publication of the latest RAL by the EPA confirms that whilst improvements have been made in many areas, the scale of the challenge faced by Irish Water in ensuring the delivery of clean and safe water in Kilkenny and throughout the country remains.

"As a single national utility Irish Water has been able to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of Ireland’s drinking water treatment plants and focus investment where the risk to our customers is highest. Nationally Irish Water has adopted a prioritised programme of works which will require an investment of €2 billion by 2021. Significant improvements are being achieved year on year by this approach right across the country."

(CM/MH)