Irish Water has appointed a contractor for a €1.9 million project on the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply Scheme which will see interim works being carried out to the water treatment plant to benefit almost 40,000 consumers on the scheme ensuring a safe, reliable and high quality water supply.
The project forms part of an overall upgrade and expansion of the water treatment plant which will enable the scheme to be extended in the long term to supply areas such as Williamstown in Co Galway and Ballinlough/Loughglynn in Co Roscommon as well as continuing to supply a large section of Co Mayo.
Irish Water’s regional minor programmes team is working in partnership with Mayo County Council to deliver the project and AECOM are the appointed contractors. The project will be delivered in conjunction with Tobin and Jacobs Engineers.
The proposed works will involve the design, construction and commissioning of a range of elements including pH adjustment, upgrade of the coagulation system, a flocculation tank, sludge handling facilities, health and safety improvement works at the plant and the provision of pipework, valve arrangements and power supply cables to cater for the installation of a future UV installation should the need arise in an emergency situation.
Irish Water’s Minor Programmes Lead in the North West, Laura Heneghan, explained the benefits of the project: “Irish Water is delighted to be progressing with this significant investment in the Lough Mask Regional Supply Scheme. This project is needed to ensure drinking water is provided in compliance with the relevant statutory instruments and regulations to all consumers on the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply Scheme. The project will enhance the water treatment process, particularly during cold weather conditions, thus ensuring that the principle objective of the project is achieved. The project is also needed in order to carry out necessary upgrades to allow for the process units to be operated and maintained in a safe manner.”
Construction works will commence on site this month and the completed works are expected to be fully commissioned in June 2017.
Since February 2015, over 4.55 million litres of water per day have been saved on the Lough Mask scheme alone due to Irish Water investment in partnership with Mayo County Council Water Services staff.
These projects form part of Irish Water’s investment plan where over €530 million will be invested in upgrading services in 2016 to improve the country’s water and wastewater infrastructure. The Irish Water Business Plan has earmarked almost €2 billion in improving wastewater quality and capacity up to 2021.
