Officials from Irish Water outlined the programme of works that are to commence immediately in the Gortahork and Falcarragh areas at a public meeting in Falcarragh today (Fri).
It is understood that the Irish water utility, in partnership with Donegal County Council, will replace the existing water mains with high-density polyethylene (plastic) pipes to provide a more reliable water supply and reduce the high levels of leakage.
“We are all too aware of the problems and distress the recent burst pipes have caused to residents and businesses in the Falcarragh and Gortahork areas.
Speaking following the meeting, Councillor Noreen McGarvey welcomed the plans, she said: “It is welcomed news that Irish Water together with Donegal County Council have fast-tracked their programme and are in a position to commence works on the Gortahork scheme this coming week and the Falcarragh scheme due to start in October.”
Farran Construction Ltd also outlined their timetable of the works and have advised that it will be necessary to introduce some road closures, reduced traffic access and planned outages of water. All of which will be advised in advance to the local residents and businesses.
Some 1750m of problematic mains will be replaced in the Gortahork area and will take until March 2020 to complete.
Approx 1600m in Falcarragh has been identified as the worst affected and it is anticipated that these works will be completed by Jan 2020.
Cllr Mc Garvey also acknowledged the work done by the teams on the ground who often worked unsociable hours to restore services during the months when the burst pipes occurred.
“I fully understand the implications for business and households during the periods when water was off due to the bursts so I will be asking Donegal County Council to consider a reduction in rates for those affected.”
