Friday, August 16, 2013

Kilmallock Water Supply shortlisted for Excellence in Local Government Award

Limerick County Council has been shortlisted for an award in the 2013 Excellence in Local Government Awards scheme, details of which were announced today.

The Kilmallock Water Supply has been shortlisted alongside Erne Valley Water Scheme Partnership (Cavan County Council) and Shanganagh Bray Main Drainage Scheme (DĂșn Laoghaire Rathdown County Council) in the 'Strategic Water Initiative' category.

Limerick County Council earlier this year become the first Irish recipient of a prestigious internationally-recognised quality standard for the delivery of drinking water when it was presented with ISO 24512:2007 certification for its management of the Kilmallock Water Treatment Plant, which serves 2,500 customers in south County Limerick.

Cathaoirleach John Sheahan congratulated Limerick County Council on being shortlisted for an Excellence in Local Government Award.  He continued: “This award nomination is testament to the work of Council staff, both past and present, who have committed their time and expertise to ensuring that some 2,500 customers are delivered high quality drinking water. Planning, organisation and hard work by staff has been the key to their hard-earned success in securing ISO certification and this award nomination.”

Commenting on the award nomination and the Kilmallock Water Supply, Director of Services Josephine Cotter-Coughlan stated: “Kilmallock draws it water from the river Loobagh at the townland of Ballingaddy, some 3 kilometres by river upstream from the old monastery site. The current water treatment plant at Ballingaddy was opened in 1987; with Mr. Richard O’Neill as the plant operator. Richard remains the main plant operator and has played a major role in developing and maintaining the water treatment system and in achieving ISO 24512:2007 certification for the plant.”

Regarding the Plant itself, the water drawn from the River Loobagh undergoes a full treatment process at one location before being pumped to the reservoir. The plant is currently supplying over 1100 cubic metres or approximately 250,000 gallons per day to the town but has the capability of supplying another 1100 cubic metres day if required. All the processes within the plant are monitored on electronic systems.  As Director of Services with responsibility for Environment, Water Services & Emergency Services in Limerick City and County, I am very appreciative of the efforts of all members of the local authority staff on being included in this award shortlist.”

The Awards will take place on Wednesday 13th November in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin. There will be a total of 17 awards presented across a variety of categories including: Supporting Active Communities; Festival of the Year; Sports Development and Local Authority Economic Efficiencies. Awards will also be presented to the City/County Council of the Year and the Town/Borough Council of the Year.