Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, has approved revised funding arrangements for Bennettsbridge and Castlecomer Wastewater Treatment Plant Schemes under his Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 - 2012.
It was originally envisaged that both these schemes would advance under the Serviced Lands Initiative which attracted 40 per cent capital funding from the Department. This initiative was discontinued in 2009 in the light of changes in the residential market. All residual works are to be completed during the period of the current Water Services Investment Programme.
In the case of the schemes for Bennettsbridge and Castlecomer Wastewater Treatment Plant Schemes, it is considered that the works are of a sufficient priority, particularly from an environmental perspective, to merit their advancement under the normal funding arrangements for the Water Services Investment Programme.
“This decision will allow Kilkenny County Council to avail of increased funding of up to 80 per cent in both cases,” said Minister Hogan.
“The increased funding for these schemes in the programme paves the way for the council to proceed with much needed upgrade works.”
Given the importance of the scheme locally, the Minister will be urging the council to quickly press ahead with the preliminary work required to get these schemes to construction at the earliest possible date.
