THE QUALITY and quantity of water in the Ballinabranna area has been greatly enhanced following the opening of the area’s treatment plant.
Last Friday, the group water scheme’s treatment plant got its seal of approval when environment minister Phil Hogan performed the official opening.
The opening ceremony also included a group of schemes in counties Kilkenny, Wicklow, Laois, Wexford and Carlow, with Carlow County Council acting as the lead authority on the project.
Director of services John Carley welcomed the gathering to the official opening, in particular minister Hogan, members of Ballinabranna Group Scheme, EPS Contractors and TJ O’Connor consultants.
Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council Tom Kinsella stated that the importance of the voluntary local group in the project cannot be underestimated.
“I remember a time when if you wanted water, your only choice was bringing a gallon can to the nearest well across the field ... you could encounter a wicked bull or cow or anything on the way back,” cllr Kinsella laughed.
Cllr Kinsella stated that the people of Ballinabranna can be assured that they have a high quality and adequate supply of water.
The plant was then blessed by Fr Pierce Murphy and Rev Peter Tarleton. Local chairman of the group water scheme Austin Kinsella thanked all those who made the scheme possible.
The group then returned to the Lord Bagenal Hotel, where certifi cates were presented to a number of groups from the county, for their participation in group water schemes in their areas.