Massive Scottish Water investment boost for Ayrshire
17 April 2008
Scottish Water is to invest tens of millions to protect coastal areas and rivers in parts of north, east and south Ayrshire in one of the biggest projects of its kind ever undertaken in Scotland.
The investment, which is part of Scottish Water's 2010 Vision for Ayrshire, will provide massive environmental benefits and help to us to meet stringent EC directives and bathing water standards.
Much of the investment will be spent specifically on improving the quality of the bathing waters and natural environment of Irvine Bay, the River Irvine and the Kilmarnock Water.
This part of the scheme will consist of several projects including the construction of new pipelines and pumping stations, which transfer sewage flow to Meadowhead Waste Water Treatment Works near Irvine.
The areas which will benefit from the overall investment will include Irvine, Kilmarnock, Saltcoats, Troon, Barassie and Hurlford.
Investigation work is currently under way to identify the requirements of each project and details will be provided when this work is completed
Jim Roddy, Scottish Water's project manager, said: "We are at the early design stage and are looking to deliver projects which will benefit communities in parts of North, East and South Ayrshire and will help provide a cleaner environment for everyone.
"This will benefit local residents who use the beach and rivers in the Irvine and Kilmarnock areas for recreational purposes and will also help make the areas more attractive to tourists and visitors, which can only help the local economy.
"Scottish Water takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously and we are thinking ahead."
An important part of the scheme will be the input and support of Scottish Water's customers and we will therefore be introducing and presenting our plans over the next few months through a variety of channels to relevant stakeholders in the local community including local councillors, community councils and the media.
It is expected the project will start in February 2009 and complete it in 2010.
Scottish Water's 2010 Vision for Ayrshire is a programme of investment in all of our services throughout North, East and South Ayrshire. Details of this will be announced soon.