Released on: March 28, 2008, 10:34 am

Press Release Author: Mark Dunphy/Dunphy Public Relations

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: Friday, 28th March 08 – A major step has been taken towards
resolving drinking water quality issues for 2,300 households in County Limerick
following the rollout of a major Design Build Operate (DBO) project.

Press Release Body: Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr.
John Gormley, T.D., today officially marked the completion of the project at a
ceremony held in the Heritage Centre at Lough Gur. The €6 million project included a
comprehensive programme of works on 18 privately sourced group water supply schemes
across the county.

The Lough Gur Group Water Scheme is the biggest scheme involved in the DBO project
serving a total of 555 domestic houses, 120 farms and 61 other properties, including
land and commercial/amenity activities.

The 17 other group schemes which have benefited from the project include:
Baggottstown, Ballinvreena, Ballybricken, Ballyduff, Ballyorgan, Bulgaden,
Newtown/Caherline, Cappagh, Carnane, Coshma/Killeen, Croagh/Farrendonnelly, Glenroe,
Glenstal, Granagh, Griston, Kileedy and Kilfinny.

“The completion of this DBO project ensures that County Limerick remains to the fore
in the national drive to eliminate sub-standard rural water supplies”, stated
Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council.

He explained, “As far back as 1998, the EPA highlighted difficulties with the
quality of privately owned group water schemes across the country. Since then
considerable time and resources has been targeted at remedying deficiencies in the
group water schemes.”

Commenting on the contribution of Group Water Scheme personnel, the Cathaoirleach
said, “The headway made in dealing with substandard water supplies has only been
possible through their hard work, dedication and spirit of partnership. I would
particularly like to acknowledge the contribution of group scheme activists across
County Limerick who, for many years, have worked tirelessly for the betterment of
their neighbours and communities.”

According to Mr. Paul Crowe, Director, Transportation & Water Services, Limerick
County Council, “I am delighted to see that the implementation of the rural water
programme in Limerick has been successful thanks to the vibrant partnership approach
between the group sector and the local authority working together to achieve a
common objective.”

“I wish to congratulate everybody involved in the delivery of this project for their
steadfast commitment, the eighteen groups involved, the DBO Steering Group, Staff of
the Rural Water Programme with Limerick County Council, the National Federation of
Group Water Schemes and consultants T.J. O’Connor & Partners”, concluded Mr. Crowe.

The contract for the construction and long-term operation of water abstraction and
treatment facilities was awarded to Electrical & Pump Services Ltd. (EPS) Mallow,
Co. Cork.

Works carried out included the provision of treatment plants, kiosks, refurbishment
of existing pump houses, construction of concrete tanks, drilling of new source
boreholes, and all associated site works and landscaping.

Along with the main DBO works of abstraction and treatment facilities construction
by EPS, enabling works were carried out on a number of schemes for water
conservation purposes. The works involved the refurbishment of critical sections of
defective watermains on networks together with the installation of Universal
Metering of connections to ensure that customers are vigilant in their water usage.
A number of new concrete reservoirs are currently being built on three schemes.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 or
media@dunphypr.com
- A high-resolution image of today’s official opening ceremony is available on request



Web Site: http://www.dunphypr.com

Contact Details: Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Connolly
Ennis
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)