The long awaited Kilrickle water scheme has gotten the go ahead and contracts will be signed next week.
Independent TD for Galway East, Sean Canney has received confirmation from the Minister for Housing and Local Government that his department have approved the contract for Kilrickle/Kilcooley Group Water Scheme.
Accessibility to a steady water supply has been a long standing issue for the Kilrickle area, with the community reporting that hundreds of houses, two schools and a pub had been relying on rain water taps for the last thirty years.
Speaking on the news, Dep Canney said, “I am delighted that the contract is to be signed in the coming days and construction will commence to deliver water to 247 homes in Kilrickle. The project will also include the upgrade of the Kilcooley Water Supply.”
He went on to add, “After 20 years of false dawns, the people of Kilrickle will now have a proper water supply. There will be no more uncertainties.”
The source of water for the scheme will come from the nearby Cappataggle group water scheme, something Canney has applauded, “The water source is Cappataggle Group Water Scheme and I commend the Scheme for their generosity in solving the water source to help their neighbours in getting potable water.”
Local business man, Dessie O’Brien, who owns Dessie O’Brien’s Bar and Shop in the village, told the Advertiser that the construction commencement was very welcome, but that it’s a long time coming.
“”It took us the last twenty years fighting with every politician in Galway. We’ve been let down so many times now and it’s a disgrace that any village be left without water.”
He went on to say, “The school is getting bigger, houses are being built in the area, the shop is going well and in order to have growth you need to have water. So this is a massive positive.”
Dep Canney acknowledged the determination of locals saying, “It is also a great achievement for the Committee in Kilrickle who stuck with the plan and kept the pressure on in pursuit of their communities right to have piped water to their homes and farms.”
He went on to acknowledge the work of officials in Galway County Council who “guided the project through some very difficult challenges”, and former Minister Eoghan Murphy TD who visited Kilrickle with him and the support of present Minister, Dara O’Brien for giving the “project a push this week.”
Canney concluded saying, “I wish the contractor the best of luck with the project which will begin shortly and will be completed within the next 9 months.”
