Monday, February 10, saw work officially begin on Monkland’s newest pharma company, Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Proceedings were officially lanuched by Taoiseach Enda Kenny who declared it a “great day for Monksland, a great day for Athlone, and a great day for the Midlands... We are open for business”.
Roscommon-based construction company based in Roscommon, Wills Brothers Ltd have already started work on the 17-acre site.
However when pushed on the state of the water supply in Monksland which has been subject to a boil water notice since October 24 Mr Kenny refused to be drawn on the situation.
Last year cryptosporidium was detected in the water in the area. Home owners there are campaigning to be exempt from all water charges until the water is drinkable.
Last Friday, Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan approved €12 million for the construction of five new water treatment plants in Roscommon, including one at Killeglan.
The funding will allow Roscommon County Council to accept the bid from Glan Agua Ltd for the project, with a view to construction starting as soon as possible. The new plants will feature appropriate barriers to cryptosporidium.
