Works progress to improve Stranolar water supply
18 November 2021
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Donegal County Council, is replacing 100m of old cast iron watermains along the Stranorlar Bridge Crossing to provide a more safe and secure water supply for customers in the area. The works will also reduce the high level of leakage and bursts in the area. The ageing cast iron watermains are being replaced with new high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.
Outlining the benefits of these works Declan Cawley, Uisce Éireann, explained: “These essential works will benefit customers in the area by replacing ageing cast iron watermains with new and improved plastic pipes. The immediate impact of this work will see an improvement to water quality in the area, as well as reduced leakage rates and unplanned interruptions when bursts occur.
“Upon completion, there will also be significant improvements in the network performance and levels of customer service in this area in terms of efficiency and security of supply.”
The works are scheduled to commence in November along the N15 Stranorlar Bridge, Stranorlar, Co Donegal. Farrans Construction Ltd are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Uisce Éireann which are due for completion in early December.
This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is continuing to work in partnership with Donegal County Council to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated with over 63,000km of water pipe in Ireland. Most leaks aren’t visible, resulting in precious water being lost but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2019 it was 42%, it had reduced further to 40% at the end of 2020 and we are currently on course to achieving a national leakage rate of 38% by the end of 2021.
Declan added: “To facilitate the safe delivery of the works and to minimise impact on road users and the local community the works will be undertaken during the night. There will be traffic management in place during the night-time works, with local and emergency access maintained at all times.
“The works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions. We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause.
“This mains replacement work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to upgrade the water network in Donegal and we would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete this essential job.”
Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or check out the Supply and Service Updates section of our website for regular updates.
The National Leakage Reduction Programme helps provide a more reliable water supply to Irish communities by reducing high levels of leakage and improving water quality. Its delivery represents an investment of over €500 million between 2017 and the end of 2021 to reduce leakage and replace old pipes on the water network.
Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Uisce Éireann would like to remind people to follow the current HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.
For more information on reducing leaks visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.