End to Enfield water crisis in sight

The Enfield water crisis could be resolved next year as work on the badly needed reservoir is to begin later this year.

The news will come as a huge relief in the area where supply breaks down on almost a weekly basis.

Residents are receiving letters today from Cllr Johnny Guirke who was told by Irish Water last night that the work should be completed next year.

“Having worked on this project since January of this year, I’m delighted to bring you this news to your doorstep. Late yesterday evening, I spoke with Irish water on the phone as I have kept in touch with them throughout this process.

“I can finally say that it’s good news. Enfield reservoir is to be fast tracked as funding is to be signed over with works due to start late 2021 with a finish date of mid-2022,” he said.

Deputy Guirke recalled he raised the Enfield water issue with the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar on the floor of the Dail last January, asking him to get Irish Water to release the funding for the reservoir project, as it would take six months to complete.

He raised the issue with Taoiseach Michael Martin in June.

“He accepted that this particular area is a problem, and said extra funding allocations were available in 2020 and 2021 for such projects.

“I spoke again to the Tánaiste yesterday raising major concerns from local residents and businesses in Enfield about the unacceptable condition their water infrastructure is currently in, which is a crisis.

“I am delighted that you will finally be able to have a water service fit for purpose within this growing town,” he told residents, many of whom were without water for much of this week.

Meanwhile Irish Water has recently completed essential disinfection upgrades to protect water quality at Enfield water treatment plant. Works, included the installation of a new pump to reduce the risk of water supply disruptions in the area. Commissioning works were carried out from 11pm Tuesday night to 5am on Wednesday.