Laois towns need water investment for new housing, insists representative

New Laois homes will not be built if money is not spent on expanding water infrastructure according to a Laois representative who claims no money has been invested on increasing water supplies in Laois in over a decade. 

So claims Laois Independent TD Brian Stanley who has pointed the finger at Uisce Éireann, claiming that supply has not been expanded in the years since the utility was set up by Government in 2013. 

“If infrastructure is not upgraded in several towns and villages in Laois, many of these locations in the county will have already reached full capacity limits, which in turn will rule out new housing developments," said a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"Towns such as Rathdowney, Portarlington, Mountrath, Ballylinan and Stradbally have reached or exceeded capacity in relation to water supply. Mountmellick and Graiguecullen have almost reached capacity limits in terms of sewage/wastewater capacity. Borris in Ossory, Ballinakill and the Swan have reached their limits in terms of both water supply and wastewater treatment.

"Uisce Éireann has not increased the water supply capacity in any Laois town since it came into being 11 years ago, despite the billions of euros that it has received. Any significant housing development will be held back if service capacity is not increased across these locations in Laois.

"It’s essential that wastewater and sewage capacity is upgraded in the coming years. The funding of projects in the National Development Plan is to be announced shortly. These must include water and electricity infrastructure in Laois," he said.

The Portlaiose-based TD welcomed work on the long-awaited Ballyroan treatment works but insisted much more must be delivered.

READ ALSO: Ballyroan getting extra capacity

"The new announcement by Uisce Eireann of improvement works to Ballyroan sewage treatment scheme is welcome, almost all other Laois towns and villages have infrastructure deficits," he said.

Uisce Éireann was set up by the Government in 2013. The Leinster Express / Laois Live is awaiting a response to Dep Stanley's statement.