Investment continues in Inishowen as works commence in Straid, Clonmany

16 November 2023

Clonmany, situated in Ireland’s most northerly peninsula in County Donegal, is set to reap the rewards of Uisce Éireann’s leakage reduction programme as ageing water mains in Straid are set to get replaced. The works will help put a stop to bursts, outages and leakage in the area and give locals and visitors alike an improved confidence in the security of their water supply.

Uisce Éireann crews are scheduled to arrive in Straid in late November to begin work on replacing approximately 639 m of old water mains which are susceptible to regular bursts and high levels of leakage. Earlier this year approximately 150 m of old water mains were successfully replaced with modern pipes in nearby Gaddyduff.  

Uisce Éireann’s Networks Regional Lead Patricia Lowry is looking forward to getting this important project underway. 

“Uisce Éireann is working hard to prioritise the delivery of a safe and secure water supply in the Inishowen area. Earlier this year we successfully replaced aging pipes in Gaddyduff with modern pipes. It is great to finally announce that the works in Straid are going to commence in the coming weeks, which will reduce the risk of outages from bursts now and into the future. Fewer bursts and less leakage will ensure a stronger water supply for homes and businesses in this busy coastal community." 

The essential works may involve some short-term water interruptions, but the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned interruptions. 

Patricia continued: “We understand that this type of work is inconvenient, and our crews will make every effort to minimise disruption to the local people. These works are essential to ensure Straid’s security of supply now and into the future, with the long-term benefits far outweighing any short-term inconvenience. We thank the community for their patience and co-operation.” 

A road closure will be required at night only along the L1551 from Clonmany Fireplace Centre (past Urris GAA Club) to St Columbas Church, Straid to deliver the works safely and efficiently. The road will be reopened daily from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm (and will be open every weekend). The road will be reopened for the Christmas Holiday period. A sign posted diversion will be in place. Locals can be assured that local and emergency traffic will be accommodated at all times. During the day a traffic light system will be in place in Straid along the L-155 for the duration of the works.

Farrans Construction will carry out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann with a completion date of February 2024.  

This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Local Authorities to reduce leakage and provide a more reliable water supply. Fixing leaks can be complicated but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2022 it was 37%. We are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.

The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. 

For more information, please visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.