The contract for the €13.8 million extension of the Tuam Regional Water Supply to Loughrea - which will supply water to some 9,000 people in the Loughrea region - has been signed, Irish Water has announced.
Irish Water said the contract for the design, construction, and commissioning of the extension scheme had been awarded to Shareridge/Farrans as a joint venture. Works are to start in the coming weeks and the project will take about 18 months to complete.
The project will involve the construction of 20km of water mains from Carrowmonesh in Oranmore to Seefin Reservoir outside Loughrea. A new reservoir will be built at Seefin. There will be four new pumping stations at Seefin, Derrydonnell, Lake Road, and Knockanaima. The two existing water treatment plants at Loughrea will be decommissioned.
Works will take place along local, regional, and national roads between Oranmore and Loughrea. Irish Water said local communities will be notified in advance of any works commencing.
The news has been welcomed by Galway East TD, and Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, Seán Canney. "This is extremely welcome news and will provide a boost for the town of Loughrea and the communities around it," he said. "It will ensure everyone in the area has a new supply of clean and safe drinking water."
