John Gormley, minister for the environment, heritage and local government, officially opened the Ennis Water Treatment Works at Drumcliff, Ennis, County Clare last Friday (April 23).

The project was developed after the discovery of cryptosporidium in the local water source in 2005.

Cryptosporidium, also known as Crypto, can cause diarrhoea and other related illness in humans and other mammals drinking the water.

Since the plan started operating in late 2009 a drinking water alert, in place since 2005, was officially lifted in December last year.

The plant will provide high quality drinking water to around 30,000 people in Ennis town and the neighbouring areas of Barefield, Crusheen, Clarecastle and Doora.

The project has been co-funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government and Clare County Council under the National Development Plan.

Clare County manager, Tom Coughlan, said: “The Ennis Water Treatment Works greatly enhances the quality of potable water being provided to householders and business alike.”

Luke Walsh

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe