An event has been held to mark the continued progress on the Kilkenny Regional Water Supply Scheme.

Set to benefit 28,000 people with the decommissioning of ageing assets and the delivery of a 21st century water supply, the scheme will see €33 million invested over two and a half years.

Contractor Glan Agua hosted members of Kilkenny County Council, Irish Water, and local business leaders at Troyswood Water Treatment Plant to see the progress being made on site.

Irish Water's Capital Portfolio Delivery Manager, Steven Seymour said: "This is a really exciting and important project for Kilkenny City and its environs. The city is already a brilliant place to work, live and holiday in but we need to ensure that the water supply is robust and geared toward future social and economic development. This project will also ensure that the water supply is removed from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Remedial Action List (RAL) and that the communities and businesses who will benefit from the works will enjoy a more robust and secure water supply into the future.

"In addition, Irish Water is committed to playing its part in the national drive to provide homes to people who need them by developing and prioritising the delivery of key water service infrastructure. Irish Water continues to make progress in the delivery of water infrastructure to support housing and economic growth with 32,404 housing connections offered in 2021."

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Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Fidelis Doherty, commented: "If you drive around Kilkenny City currently, you will see housing developments happening around the place and we need to continue with developments like this to build for the future. With that expansion in mind, this project is exceptionally important. We welcome Irish Water's investment, their collaboration with Kilkenny County Council and Glan Agua's delivery of the project. It will increase water capacity and ensure high quality water supply for future growth of housing and businesses over the next 40 years. This will include current planned housing developments in the Breagagh Valley (West) and Loughmacask (North) of the City, the re-development of the former Brewery site the Abbey Quarter in the City Centre and business parks adjacent to the Kilkenny Ring Road."

John Hurley, Kilkenny Chamber, CEO, added: "It was great to be here in person today to see the progress being made by Irish Water and Kilkenny County Council. Infrastructure projects of this type provide an essential platform and service for businesses to thrive and to prosper and will place Kilkenny head and shoulders above competitors in relation to attracting business. Furthermore, the additional capacity will allow essential housing to be built which will cater for social and economic development for generations to come. I look forward to hearing of the progress Irish Water are making in the months and years to come."

The upgrading and increase in capacity at the treatment plant at Troyswood will equip the plant to then become the primary water treatment plant facility for Kilkenny City. A new 2.9 km watermain from Troyswood to the Radestown site will connect to the existing service reservoirs and enable the Radestown plant to be decommissioned. Homes and businesses need not worry however, as the works are being carried out, water supply will continue to flow.