A MAJOR water supply study will be carried out across West Cork to explore options for increasing water supply.

The feasibility study, commissioned by Uisce Éireann aims to assess current and future water needs in Bandon, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Bantry and Castletownbere, as well as a number of smaller villages throughout the Beara Peninsula.

The assessment will explore feasible solutions to address water scarcity issues, and will identify both interim and long-term measures.

Welcoming the study, Senator Noel O’Donovan (FG) said ‘reliable water infrastructure is absolutely fundamental to protecting our quality of life, supporting housing delivery, sustaining local enterprises and enabling growth.’

He highlighted that many communities around West Cork have ‘been under pressure for too long, and this study is a clear signal that those challenges are now finally being taken seriously.’

The senator also welcomed confirmation that the plan for a new water connection in Bandon and Clonakilty has moved to design. The development of the design for a strategic main linking the two areas to the Cork Harbours and City Water Supply runs in parallel with the overall study.

He hopes that ‘the study will play a key role in shaping future capital investment decisions, reducing the risk of supply interruptions and supporting balanced, sustainable development across West Cork.’