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NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ -
Ennis, Clare, Ireland, 2007/03/20 - Imminent commencement of construction work on the long awaited new sewage treatment plants for Feakle, Scariff and Quilty to clear the way for movement on the issuing of foreshore licences relating to the Ballyvaughan, Corofin and Doolin Scheme.
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Minister for Labour Affairs and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen today expressed optimism that the imminent commencement of construction work on the long awaited new sewage treatment plants for Feakle, Scariff and Quilty would clear the way for movement on the issuing of foreshore licences relating to the Ballyvaughan, Corofin and Doolin Sewerage Scheme. The Minister said that the Department of the Communications, Marine and Natural Resources was currently considering two foreshore licences, which were essential to the commencement of works on the north Clare Scheme.
“The difficulties associated with the issuing of a foreshore licence for the proposed Quilty sewage works delayed the Feakle and Scariff elements of the €12.2m Scheme and have underlined the lengthy process involved in progressing such infrastructure projects”, Minister Killeen said.
He added, “The delays can be attributed to the detailed consideration that must be given to the potential effects that issuing such licences would have on the local marine environment and future impact on the areas concerned. However, I am confident that the Department of the Communications, Marine and Natural Resources along with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will issue the necessary licences for the Ballyvaughan and Doolin sewerage works, therefore allowing works to proceed at Corofin. These licenses will enable Clare County Council to invite tenders for the construction of the necessary infrastructure.”
Minister Killeen stated that the provision of a Sewerage Scheme in Ballyvaughan, Corofin and Doolin would bring similar benefits to those experienced in Lisdoonvarna and surrounding areas following the completion of the local Sewage and Water Schemes.
“For many years, the lack of adequate infrastructure in north Clare had led to pressure being placed on rural areas in relation to development with more and more people applying to the County Council for permission to build and to provide their own septic tank and water supply. I believe that the approval of foreshore licences allowing for the commencement of work on the Ballyvaughan, Corofin and Doolin Sewerage Scheme will relieve much of this pressure and provide for the rural regeneration and sustained economic development of the North Clare region. Equally, with ever increasing numbers of tourists visiting this region, it is imperative that the necessary infrastructure is in place. After all, a sustainable tourism industry is of importance to the future economic well-being of the entire County”, added Minister Killeen.
Meanwhile, Minister Killeen welcomed today’s decision by Minister Dick Roche to give approval to Clare County Council to invite tenders for the construction of wastewater collection networks in Feakle, Scariff and Quilty (including Mullagh). He said he was hopeful that construction work on the long awaited new sewage treatment plants for Feakle, Scariff and Quilty would commence shortly.
He continued, “The construction of wastewater collection networks and new sewage treatment plants for Feakle, Scariff and Quilty will bring significant benefits to the three locations in question. The completion of the €12.2m sewerage scheme will allow for the economic regeneration and sustained development of each area. The provision of modern wastewater collection and treatment facilities will also help preserve water quality at local beaches and rivers.”
Minister Killeen also welcomed the news that the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is currently finalising its examination of Clare County Council’s Contract Documents for sewage treatment plants for Feakle, Scariff and Quilty.
“A decision will shortly be conveyed to the Council by the Department with a view to tenders for the treatment plants also being sought at an early date from the panel of short-listed contractors already selected by the Council”, Minister Killeen concluded.
About Minister Tony Killeen
- Minister Killeen is available for interview and may be contacted on +35387-2525304 or tony_killeen[.]entemp.ie.
- Mr. Tony Killeen was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the 29th September 2004.
Political Record: Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Science 2002-2004. Member Committee on Procedure and Privileges 1992-2002. Former Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Members' Interests in Dáil Éireann. Member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Body 1997-2004. Member of Clare County Council 1985-1997 (Chairman 1989-1991, Vice-Chairman 1987-1989). Chairman Co. Clare VEC (1991-1994). Former National Chairman of Fianna Fáil Councillors Association. Former member of Management Boards of Killaloe and Shannon Community Schools and Limerick R.T.C. Founder member Shannon Status Committee and Chairman 1989-1991.
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