The long-awaited water supply scheme for Kilrickle is now one step away from going to tender.
Having spoken to the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy, I can confirm that the costings have now been evaluated and the file will be presented to him in the next week for approval to go to tender.
The project has had a lot of false starts but this is the final hurdle before the tender process.
The people of Kilrickle have waited long enough and their time has now come.
A water source has been provided by Cappataggle Group Water Scheme, a design has been prepared, costings have been calculated and the project has been submitted to the Department for approval.
The project has been evaluated and the last step is ministerial approval. I spoke to Minister Murphy and he has assured me that he will approve the project. He is very familiar with the task at hand, having met the local committee last year at my request.
I acknowledge everyone who has supported the scheme, including Galway County Council for the work involved in bringing the project to this stage and the people of Cappataggle for offering to provide their water source. I also want to thank the people of Kilrickle for their patience, which will now be rewarded.
When completed, people living in the area will fulfill their right to a clean and safe supply of drinking water.