Further progress in Donegal with four more water saving projects completed
20 December 2021
With the new year in sight, Uisce Éireann is proud to have recently completed water saving projects in Letterkenny, Killybegs, Stranorlar and Laghey, Co Donegal just in time for Christmas.
By replacing ageing water mains in all four areas, Uisce Éireann continues to drive down the volume of clean water being lost underground, as well as improving the reliability of water being provided to homes and businesses across the county.
In total close to 1km of water mains was replaced with new high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes. All lead service connections on the public roadway were also replaced as part of the works.
In two locations, Letterkenny and Stranorlar, cast iron mains were replaced which will improve water quality. At St. Eunan’s Terrace, Letterkenny approximately 200m of cast iron water mains located along the rear of several properties, referred to as backyard service connections, prone to frequent leakage, bursts and low water pressure were replaced. In Stranorlar, approximately 100m of cast iron mains were replaced at the N15 Stranorlar Bridge, a particularly busy section of road requiring night time works to minimise traffic disruption in the local community.
In Killybegs, approximately 350m of mains replacement was completed along the L1285 and the R263 Shore Road and on Main Street Laghey, approximately 300m of mains were replaced.
Uisce Éireann worked in partnership with Donegal County Council on all four projects.
Outlining the benefits of the works, Declan Cawley, Regional Lead with Uisce Éireann, said: “These essential works in Letterkenny, Killybegs, Stranorlar and Laghey have strengthened and reinforced the water network in Co Donegal. Each location had its own challenges whether that was requiring access to backyard services in St. Eunan’s Terrace, Letterkenny or requiring night time works at Stranorlar Bridge. However, in all 4 locations there was an immediate positive impact for Uisce Éireann customers.
“Not only did we save water and improve the reliability of the supply, but we have improved water quality and created operational efficiencies on the network.”
Uisce Éireann thanks the communities in Letterkenny, Killybegs, Stranorlar and Laghey for their patience during the essential works.
“We understand this type of work can be inconvenient and we appreciate the support we received while we completed these important projects,” said Declan.
Reflecting on the importance of these works in Donegal, Michael McGroddy, Assistant Engineer, with Donegal County Council, said: “The replacement of these old pipes will significantly improve water quality, safeguard the water supply and have a positive impact on leakage and the daily lives of these Donegal communities. This was very much a collaborative effort between Donegal County Council and Uisce Éireann, working seamlessly together to bring huge benefits to homes and businesses in Letterkenny, Killybegs, Stranorlar and Laghey.”
These four Donegal projects were part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme. By the end of 2021 Uisce Éireann will have invested €500m in reducing the level of leakage across the country by fixing and replacing old and damaged water mains. This work will ensure a safe, reliable water supply which is vital for our health, our environment and our growing population and economy.
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.