Breaking ground in Buncrana as part of €31 million investment in new Sewerage Scheme
19 April 2023
Uisce Éireann’s €100m investment in Donegal’s wastewater infrastructure continues.
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Donegal County Council, are set to commence works in Buncrana in the coming weeks as part of a €31 million investment to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar. The sewerage scheme will result in significant improvements to water quality in Lough Swilly and the River Finn by eliminating stormwater overflows, safeguarding the environment and supporting social and economic development
The Buncrana and Ballybofey/Stranorlar Sewerage Scheme is being progressed in two phases, with construction works already underway in Ballybofey and Stranorlar since March. The second and final step in construction of this major sewerage scheme will see the breaking of ground in Buncrana in the coming weeks.
The sewerage scheme is a significant development for the towns of Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar, which will see knock-on benefits to the local natural environment of Lough Swilly and the River Finn, as well as supporting the social and economic development of the towns.
Uisce Éireann’s Programme Manager Eunan Canavan said: “We are delighted to see years of hard work in the planning and development of this sewerage scheme realised as we start to break ground in Buncrana this month. Construction works which commenced in Ballybofey and Stranorlar in March are progressing well. Eliminating non-compliant storm overflows into Lough Swilly and the River Finn, reducing the risk of overflows during storms, as well as supporting the social and economic development of Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar into the future is a key priority for Uisce Éireann. This project is critical in safeguarding the environment as well as future-proofing the infrastructure in Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar."
Eunan added: “The scale of investment in Donegal and delivery of this critical infrastructure in Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar is hugely significant. We are investing approximately €100m in Donegal as part of the delivery of a number of strategic projects as we strive to deliver best in class wastewater services and infrastructure for Ireland now and in the future.”
The works planned for Buncrana includes the provision of stormwater storage at the Buncrana Wastewater Treatment Plant and at the Westbrook Pumping Station, which will reduce the risk of overflows during storms. Approximately 3 km of sewer network in Buncrana will also be upgraded to increase its capacity allowing for current and future population growth of the town. The works will also include upgrades to the existing pumping stations at Westbrook, Derry Road, Ludden, Earlsfort and The Pier, as well as decommissioning two existing storm overflows.
Residents and visitors to Buncrana will see works taking place along Marian Park, Cahir O’Doherty Avenue, Aileach Road, Railway Road, Cockhill Road and Castle Avenue by Ward & Burke Water Limited on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
Uisce Éireann’s targeted programme of investment across Donegal in existing wastewater infrastructure is also reaping benefits for communities across the county. In Kerrykeel, Kilcar and Burtonport works are progressing on schedule as part of a €20m investment to provide new wastewater treatment plants and associated infrastructure, ending the discharge of raw sewage into the environment. Works as part of the €50m Ramelton, Milford and Rathmullan Sewerage Scheme have recently commenced this year. Uisce Éireann is also progressing plans as part of the delivery of state-of-the-art new wastewater treatment plants in Carrigart, Kilmacrennan and Mountcharles. Furthermore, in Donegal, the Coolatee Sewerage Scheme project will eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into Deele River improving the wastewater treatment capacity while allowing for current and future population growth. Works as part of this project are set to commence in the coming weeks.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.