Rural Water Programme

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In 2016, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (formally Department of Environment, Community & Local Government) announced a multi-annual funding programme for 2016 – 2018. Kildare Rural Water Section’s funding submission for the Rural Water Multi-Annual Programme has been prepared and submitted. This identified proposed upgrade works at various group schemes throughout the county for each of the years from 2016 – 2018 inclusive.

The DHPLG has announced an interim allocation of funding for the Kildare County Council Rural Programme based on 75% of the 2016 funding. A further allocation was announced on 20th September, with the focus of funding being on Environmental and Public Health Compliance for the Group Water Sector. It is anticipated that the funding announced will allow for some major upgrade works to be carried out on Ballindoolin GWS to reduce leakage by replacing some of  the water network.

Taking in charge of group water schemes is now subject to approval of Irish Water and need to meet certain standard criteria. It is anticipated that several Group Water Schemes will be taking in charge in 2017. A meeting has taken place with Irish Water to ascertain the requirements for taking in charge.

A register of the Small Private Supplies within County Kildare has been established by the Rural Water Section. This register has been set up to maintain an overview of the private water supplies within the county. The register is being continuously updated.

 

Flood Protection

  • Morell – The final feasibility study , including the Cost Benefit Analysis, has received approval from the OPW. The Environmental Impact Assessment is also complete. The OPW have confirmed funding and , accordingly, the formal application to An Bord Pleanala has noww been submitted. Subject to approval from the Board, works will commence in 2018.
  • Ballymore – Eustace Scheme – Complete
  • Hazlehatch – Locations for flow gauges have been installed and it is anticipated preliminary survey work will commence shortly. A further meeting with the OPW is planned to discuss the scope of a study to identify the sources of flooding.
  • Dara Park Surface Water Upgrade – All works relating to hard infrastructure are fully complete and this will resolve the recurring flooding issues which have persisted over the years. As promised, snagging issues in relation to the restoration of green have also been finalised.
  • Oaks, Newbridge – The project “The Langton Road Surface Water Scheme” has proceeded to tender stage.
  • Johnstown – complete
  • Ardclough – complete
  • CFRAM Programme – The OPW Eastern CFRAM Study is reaching a conclusion with the final Flood Risk Management Plans with the Minister for review and endorsement. In turn, this will be subject to formal adoption by the elected members in the coming months.

The Draft Plans have identified flood management measures for the following towns;

  • Leixlip
  • Maynooth
  • Celbridge
  • Clane
  • Newbridge
  • Suncroft
  • Castledermot
  • Athy

A further study is recommended for both Hazelhatch and Naas.

#progressreport