A Laois Councillorm has called on the County Council to give a timescale on works for the Ballypickas Group Water Scheme Extension to take place in Spink GAA Grounds and residential houses in the area.
Cllr John Joe Fennelly was speaking at the Portlaoise Municipal District Committee meeting this week.
Mr Adrian Barrett, Senior Engineer said: “This project was not part of the recent multi annual rual water programme.
“The Council is currently awaiting correspondence from the Department announcing the new programme.
“Once correspondence is received, the Council will be seeking expressions of interest from GWS wishing to submit projects for funding.
Cllr Fennelly said he was disappointed with the response.
“There has been an expression of interest their since 2019 and it was expected that this improvement would take place,” he said.
“Spink, like every other GAA grounds in the county is inundated with people training, especially young people, and they don’t have adequate drinking water.
“I am asking that we deal with this urgentl and works should take place as soon as possible. It’s not a multi-million euro project or anything.”
Cllr Barry Walsh suggested a letter be sent to the Department asking for an update.
Mr Simon Walton, Director of Services said the 2019 to 2022 scheme has expired and all the funding allocated for that is gone.
He said the programme for 2023 to 2025 is yet to be announced and the Councils’ hands were essentially tied until such time as they received details from the Department.
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