Uisce Eireann says work will begin on the Buncrana Sewerage Scheme in the coming weeks, with works to reduce overflows during storms and eliminate non-compliant overf;pws into Lough Swilly set to take place.
Meanwhile, work is already well underway on the Ballybofey/Stranorlar Sewerage Scheme, with both projects set to be complete by the end of next year.
The works planned for Buncrana include the provision of stormwater storage at the Buncrana Wastewater Treatment Plant and at the Westbrook Pumping Station, while approximately 3 km of sewer network in Buncrana will be upgraded.
Upgrades will be made to the existing pumping stations at Westbrook, Derry Road, Ludden, Earlsfort and The Pier, while two existing storm overflows will be decommissioned.
Works will take place along Marian Park, Cahir O’Doherty Avenue, Aileach Road, Railway Road, Cockhill Road and Castle Avenue.
Meanwhile, a similar project already underway in Ballybofey and Stranorlar involves works at Chapel Lane, Stranorlar Main Street, Navenny Road, Chestnut Road and St Joseph’s Pumping Station.
During the works traffic management will be in place, but Uisce Eireann says however local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.
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Statement in full –
Breaking ground in Buncrana as part of €31 million investment in new Sewerage Scheme
Uisce Éireann’s €100m investment in Donegal’s wastewater infrastructure continues
Wednesday, 19 April 2023 – Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Donegal County Council, are set to commence works in Buncrana in the coming weeks as part of a €31 million investment to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar. The sewerage scheme will result in significant improvements to water quality in Lough Swilly and the River Finn by eliminating stormwater overflows, safeguarding the environment and supporting social and economic development.
The Buncrana and Ballybofey/Stranorlar Sewerage Scheme is being progressed in two phases, with construction works already underway in Ballybofey and Stranorlar since March. The second and final step in construction of this major sewerage scheme will see the breaking of ground in Buncrana in the coming weeks.
The sewerage scheme is a significant development for the towns of Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar, which will see knock-on benefits to the local natural environment of Lough Swilly and the River Finn, as well as supporting the social and economic development of the towns.
Uisce Éireann’s Programme Manager Eunan Canavan said: “We are delighted to see years of hard work in the planning and development of this sewerage scheme realised as we start to break ground in Buncrana this month. Construction works which commenced in Ballybofey and Stranorlar in March are progressing well. Eliminating non-compliant storm overflows into Lough Swilly and the River Finn, reducing the risk of overflows during storms, as well as supporting the social and economic development of Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar into the future is a key priority for Uisce Éireann. This project is critical in safeguarding the environment as well as future-proofing the infrastructure in Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar.
Eunan added: “The scale of investment in Donegal and delivery of this critical infrastructure in Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar is hugely significant. We are investing approximately €100m in Donegal as part of the delivery of a number of strategic projects as we strive to deliver best in class wastewater services and infrastructure for Ireland now and in the future.”
The works planned for Buncrana includes the provision of stormwater storage at the Buncrana Wastewater Treatment Plant and at the Westbrook Pumping Station, which will reduce the risk of overflows during storms. Approximately 3 km of sewer network in Buncrana will also be upgraded to increase its capacity allowing for current and future population growth of the town. The works will also include upgrades to the existing pumping stations at Westbrook, Derry Road, Ludden, Earlsfort and The Pier, as well as decommissioning two existing storm overflows.
Residents and visitors to Buncrana will see works taking place along Marian Park, Cahir O’Doherty Avenue, Aileach Road, Railway Road, Cockhill Road and Castle Avenue by Ward & Burke Water Limited on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
Uisce Éireann’s targeted programme of investment across Donegal in existing wastewater infrastructure is also reaping benefits for communities across the county. In Kerrykeel, Kilcar and Burtonport works are progressing on schedule as part of a €20m investment to provide new wastewater treatment plants and associated infrastructure, ending the discharge of raw sewage into the environment. Works as part of the €50m Ramelton, Milford and Rathmullan Sewerage Scheme have recently commenced this year. Uisce Éireann is also progressing plans as part of the delivery of state-of-the-art new wastewater treatment plants in Carrigart, Kilmacrennan and Mountcharles. Furthermore, in Donegal, the Coolatee Sewerage Scheme project will eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into Deele River improving the wastewater treatment capacity while allowing for current and future population growth. Works as part of this project are set to commence in the coming weeks.
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.
The works currently underway in Ballybofey and Stranorlar includes the replacement of the existing pumping station at Navenny and upgrades to the existing St Joseph’s Pumping Station and Glenfinn Road Pumping Station. Approximately 2km of sewer network will also be upgraded to increase capacity, allowing for current and future population growth of the town. The works will also include the decommissioning of two existing storm overflows.
Residents and visitors to Ballybofey and Stranorlar will see works taking place along Chapel Lane, Stranorlar Main Street, Navenny Road, Chestnut Road and St Joseph’s Pumping Station. During the works traffic management will be in place however local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. The works will be carried out by Ward & Burke Water Limited on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
This sewerage scheme will not only improve water quality in Lough Swilly and the River Finn it will also ensure compliance with Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001 and the EPA Wastewater Discharge Licencing. Having cleaner water will also enhance the areas’ amenity value. We will continue to work closely with the local community and will issue further updates as we progress with this vital project.
The works in both towns will be completed by the end of 2024.
Eliminating Raw Sewage:
By the end of 2022 Uisce Éireann had completed work in 21 towns & villages where there was no sewage treatment before. In addition, Uisce Éireann has new wastewater infrastructure under construction in another 14 locations under construction across the country, with more to start later in the year.
We are on track to eliminate the vast majority of raw sewage discharges by the end of 2025, representing a total investment of €750 million.
For more information visit https://www.water.ie/projects/national-projects/eliminating-raw-sewage/
