Carlow student accommodation
Deputy Callaghan said upgrading Mortarstown wastewater treatment is essential to unlock much-needed student accommodation in Carlow. The Taoiseach said the council had made a submission and that the proposal was being engaged on.
Carlow town is a vibrant and expanding university town. To sustain and build upon that status, it is essential the student experience in Carlow be supported by the provision of adequate student accommodation, a key commitment outlined in the programme for Government.
The proposed upgrade of Mortarstown wastewater treatment plant is the key to unlocking the provision of student accommodation in Carlow as the upgrade would deliver capacity for a further 22,000 units. This plant upgrade would not only ensure more student accommodation is developed for our thriving university, SETU, but it would also improve water quality in the River Barrow. This is a matter of matching local ambition with political will.
Will the Taoiseach please commit to doing everything he can to ensure Uisce Éireann prioritises the upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant in Mortarstown, County Carlow?
Comment on this
My understanding is Carlow County Council made a submission to Irish Water. I do not know how recent that was. The Government and the Minister, Deputy Chambers, have allocated substantial funding to Irish Water in respect of the national development plan. We have engaged with Irish Water on this particular proposal.