Major works programme from Irish Water to see 40km of ageing pipes replaced

40km of ageing water mains across 13 priority sections in County Donegal will be replaced, with work due to start in September.

While very much a countywide programme of works, two streets in Ballyshannon will see considerable works - the project will include the removal of 116 backyard services at Erne Street and St. Benildus Avenue in Ballyshannon.

Irish Water, working in partnership with Donegal County Council, will replace ageing water mains and service connections will reduce the instances of bursts and water outages and help ensure a reliable supply of water to customers and local businesses throughout the county.

It will also lead to improved water quality by removing old cast iron pipes from the network and replacing them with modern plastic pipes which will reduce the risk of contamination.

The works, scheduled to start next month, are expected to take approximately 14 months to complete. The contract for the works was awarded to ShareRidge Limited.

The works, which are spread across the county will involve the decommissioning and replacement of approximately 40km kilometres of ageing water mains.

The priority sections to be replaced include: Corker, Rossnowlagh; Abbeylands, Ballyshannon; Ballyshannon Town (Erne Street & St. Benildus Avenue); and Bundoran West End, Ballybofey South Backline, Argery Reservoir; Ballindrait & Lifford Reservoir; Three Trees, Quigleys Point; Cabry, Redcastle; Carlin, Kerrykeel; Donaghmore, Fanad; Sheskinbeg; Derrybeg to Brinlack; Meenaleck to Rannafast.

The project will include the removal of 116 backyard services at Erne Street and St. Benildus Avenue in Ballyshannon Town, and will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the street/road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customer’s water supply.

As the works are spread widely across various parts of the county, Irish Water will agree the priority and schedule of works with the contractor, in consultation with the various area roads offices to align with road works and other works programmes. Residents and businesses in the affected areas will be notified ahead of the work commencing and provided with contact details should they have any questions.