Nineteen kilometres of damaged water mains across Galway city are to undergo repairs and replacement following the announcement of a €10 million investment by Irish Water and the Galway City Council.
The proposed works will begin in 2018 and take approximately 21 months to complete. The works will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on residents, businesses, and road users. However it will involve some short-term water shut offs for a number of hours over a day or two days, when the pipes are being connected to the system. Householders and businesses will be advised of any works in their area in advance and will be given a minimum of 48 hours prior notice of any planned water shut-offs
As part of this project, it is proposed to carry out backyard water main rehabilitation works, such as the replacement of water mains and water service connections, in Prospect Hill, Claddagh, Bohermore, Shantalla, Rahoon, Newcastle, Taylor’s Hill, Mervue, Roscam and Coolagh. It is understood this will allow individual ownership of each house connection to the relevant homeowner, rather than shared responsibility for the communal service.
The €19 million investment has been welcomed by Fine Gael Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton. "Much of the water mains system in Galway is extremely old and prone to leakage," she said. “Much of our physical water infrastructure in Galway is crumbling. The replacement works will drastically reduce the volume of water lost through leakage and improve reliability of water supply. This investment is vital for Galway business, tourism, and householders."
Her party colleague, Galway City East councillor John Walsh said: “I have been in regular contact with Irish Water and the Department of the Environment regarding replacement of lead pipes and low water pressure, particularly in the Rosshill area where households there have suffered low water pressure for far too long.”
The investment has also been welcomed by Labour Galway City West councillor, and the party's Galway West candidate, Niall McNelis. "I welcome that a commitment has been taken to liase in advance with residents and businesses that works will be minimised in disturbance," he said. "This is very important and I have raised this at each of the meetings that are held with elected members when we are given the opportunity to raise issues from the community."
