Crews complete works to safeguard water quality and supply in Milford

Residents of Milford in Donegal are benefitting from improved water quality and a more reliable water supply following the completion of water main replacement works. 

The improvement works carried out at Upper Mount Marian included the replacement of old backyard services and ageing water mains. The works will ensure a reliable supply of good quality water to homes, eliminate existing leaks and reduce water lost to leakage.

The works were carried out by Farrans Construction in partnership with Donegal County Council and on behalf of Uisce Éireann. 

Outlining the benefits of these works, Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead Declan Cawley said: "As a result of replacing 240 metres of water main along with the backyard services, residents in Upper Mount Marian, Milford can now see improved water quality and a reliable supply of water to customers in the area. The new pipes will also eliminate existing leaks and reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground. Replacing these ageing water mains which had a high frequency of bursts will help to safeguard the water supply for customers that previously experienced unplanned interruptions to their water supply. The replacement of 240 metres of water main along with the backyard services will also help to conserve water and reduce water lost to leakage."

Declan added: "This mains work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to upgrade the water network in Donegal. We would especially like to thank the community in Milford for their patience and cooperation as we worked to deliver this vital water network improvement project." 

Uisce Éireann has invested over €500 million between 2017 and 2021 to reduce leakage and replace old pipes on the public water network. We are investing a further € 250 million every year up to the end of 2030. Fixing leaks can be complicated but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2021 it was reduced to 38%. We are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.

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.