Chamber calls for water investment

FOLLOWING the lifting of water restrictions in the Dublin region last week, Dublin Chamber of Commerce said the focus must now be on long-term water supply.

Gina Quin, chief executive of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, said the growing population of the Dublin region is increasing the demand for water.

“We must invest in the future supply of water now,

? stated Ms Quin.

“At least

?¬500 million of investment is required for the construction of the Garrynahinch reservoir to pump water from the Shannon to the east of the country.

“It is essential that this project is given the green light sooner rather than later.

“In addition, a fund of at least

?¬50 million a year is required to upgrade Dublin’s water-pipe network, of which 800 kilometres is over 100-years-old.

?

Ms Quin, who welcomed the lifting of restrictions, added:

“These pipes are the cause of major water losses and refurbishment is needed for security of supply and to build redundancy into the system.

?

In a statement, Dublin City Council, on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities, thanked customers for their patience during the period of water restrictions.

“Due to the cooperation of all water users, we managed to save a significant amount of water and our regional strategic storage, which was at an extremely and unsustainably low level over the past week, has improved,

? a spokesperson for the council said.

“Storage at our treated water reservoirs is currently below the level it would normally be at this time of year.

“We will be keeping reduced water pressure in place in the evenings over the coming weeks to gain additional treated water storage. This is normal practice at this time of year.

“This will enable us to plan ahead for the high demand Christmas season and to cater for the difficulties that the onset of extremely cold weather at this time of year can bring.

?

Michael Phillips, Dublin City Engineer, said:

“We will continue to review and monitor production at Ballymore Eustace and the levels at our treated water reservoirs on an ongoing basis.

“We strongly urge consumers all over the Dublin region to help conserve water by restricting their use of water during the day as much as possible.

?