Council refutes claim of €2.7m overspend on water scheme

Meath County Council has "strenuously refuted the assertion that there has been an overspend" on the Dunshaughlin Water Supply Scheme, which is due to be finally commissioned on 7th May next. Dunshaughlin area councillor, Nick Killian, claimed last week that the project had run over budget by almost €3 million. It had been hoped to bring the plant into operation last summer, but there were problems with groundwater, which led to the delay. Cllr Killian said he hoped that 7th May date was not "another empty promise". He added: "This water is required now and I will welcome it on 7th May, as will all of the residents in Dunshaughlin and Ratoath who have suffered water shortages for the past 25 years." He expressed concern at what he called the financial over-run of €2.7 million on the project. "The original price for this project was €11.8 million, which I signed off on in 2008 when I was cathaoirleach. I find it unbelievable that the reason given for the overspend was due to inflation and a lot of other excuses which I certainly do not accept, as this was when the downturn in construction prices took place from September 2008. The council said the completion of the state-of-the-art piece of complex infrastructure will not only improve the level of supply to existing residents and businesses in Dunshaughlin, it will also - in conjunction with the recently completed Dunshaughlin Sewerage Scheme and M3 motorway - facilitate the sustainable growth and economic development of Dunshaughlin for many years to come. "The council wishes to acknowledge the understanding, co-operation and support of our proactive members and the local residents and business communities while these complex and often challenging, major strategic projects were being constructed," a council statement says. To read the full story see this week's Meath Chronicle.