Cost of west Mayo water plan 'must be significant reduced'

THE cost of the proposed water scheme for Murrisk, Lecanvey and Kilsallagh ‘must be significantly reduced’, Minister Eoghan Murphy has revealed.

In response to a parliamentary question by Mayo Deputy Lisa Chambers on the current status of the proposal, he stated: “The estimated cost of the proposed 350 house project was €4.725 million, or €13,500 per house.

“Grants of up to 85% of cost are available for community water connections, subject to a maximum grant of €7,650 per house.

“This means that the effective cost limit per house for this project is €9,000.

“Although the project is approved in principle, the estimated cost needs to be significantly reduced.

“I understand that Mayo County Council is working in partnership with Irish Water to examine ways to reduce the estimated costs, and have met recently to discuss this issue.

“I am advised that the local authority is now considering the matter and will be writing to my department regarding same in the near future.

“There is a commitment from my department to see this proposed project through and for work to commence.

“However, this is subject to a significant reduction being achieved in the estimated cost.”