Customers in Falcarragh-Gortahork area set to enjoy improved water supply following substantial completion of significant water main improvement works
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Donegal County Council, have replaced approximately 6.85km of old problematic water mains throughout the Falcarragh-Gortahork area. Such works will ensure the provision of a more reliable water supply and reduction in the high levels of leakage experienced in the area.
Between September 2019 and June 2020, 1,746 metres of water mains in Gortahork and 1,561 metres of water mains in Falcarragh were replaced. In the latter half of 2020, 1,092 metres of water mains in Curransport and 724 metres of water mains in the Calheam/An Sruthàn area were replaced. In November 2020, works commenced replacing 610 metres of water mains in Ardsbeg and 1,100 metres in Derryconner, works are substantially complete with all remaining works to be completed in January 2021.
These works involved the decommissioning of old problematic water mains and replacing them with high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes. The works were carried out as part of Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme by Farran's Construction Ltd.
The works also involved laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers' property boundaries and connecting it to the customer's water supply. As part of these improvement works existing lead service connections on the public side were replaced.
Speaking about the importance of the works within the Falcarragh-Gortahork area, Uisce Éireann's national Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead, Declan Cawley said: "Replacing these old, damaged pipes will reduce the instances of bursts and water outages and the new water mains and service connections will safeguard the water supply for homes and businesses in the area. These improvements to the water network are essential in providing a safe, secure and reliable water supply, now and into the future."
Uisce Éireann and Donegal County Council would like to thank residents and businesses affected by the works for their patience during the mains replacement works.
This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working 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. These works are being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann's national Leakage Reduction Programme which will see €500 million invested up to the end of 2021 to reduce the level of leakage across the country by fixing and replacing ageing water mains. This will ensure a safe, reliable water supply which is vital for our health, our environment and our growing population and economy. For more information, please visit the National Leakage Reduction Programme section.
Our customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Supply and Service Updates section.
Uisce Éireann continues to work 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 HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.
