Construction set to commence on Buncrana and Ballybofey/Stranorlar Sewerage Scheme

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Donegal County Council, are set to start works as part of a €31 million investment to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Buncrana, Ballybofey and Stranorlar. The works as part of 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 will commence in two phases, with construction starting in Ballybofey and Stranorlar in March with the second phase of the works in Buncrana to commence at the end of April.

The sewerage scheme is a significant development for the town of Ballybofey and Stranorlar, which will see knock-on benefits to the local natural environment of the River Finn, as well as supporting the social and economic development of the town.

Uisce Éireannʼs Regional Lead Eunan Canavan said: “The scale of investment in Donegal and delivery of this critical infrastructure in 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.

“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 Ballybofey and Stranorlar. Eliminating non-compliant storm overflows into the River Finn, reducing the risk of overflows during storms, as well as supporting the social and economic development of 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 Ballybofey and Stranorlar.

Eunan added: “This sewerage scheme will not only improve water quality in 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 areasʼ 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 will include the replacement of the existing pumping station at Navenny and upgrades to the existing St Josephʼs 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 Josephʼs 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.

The works which are due to commence in March 2023, will be completed by the end of 2024. Uisce Éireannʼs 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 months.

Upgrade to Blessington Wastewater Treatment Plant successfully completed

Increased capacity will serve a population equivalent of 9,000. Nestled beside the picturesque Blessington Lakes and jaw-dropping Wicklow Mountains, Blessington is one of the largest towns in West Wicklow. Against the beautiful backdrop of this historic town, Uisce Éireann working in partnership with Wicklow County Council, prioritised plans to upgrade the Blessington Wastewater Treatment Plant to safeguard the environment and support social and economic development in the area.

The works have now been successfully completed as a result of this significant investment by Uisce Éireann and will increase the capacity of the plant to serve a population equivalent (PE) of up to 9,000 in a town of just over 4,000 people. This will enable future growth and safeguard the environment by ensuring compliance with national and EU legislation.

The project involved the construction of a new primary treatment system including a pump station, upgrades to the existing aeration tanks, and the installation of a new odour control system. Treatment processes at the existing wastewater treatment plant in Blessington have also been upgraded.

Speaking about the project Dawid Wozniak, Regional Lead with Uisce Éireann, said “Uisce Éireann is committed to providing a safe and reliable water supply, protecting the environment and supporting the growth of homes and businesses across Ireland. We are working in partnership with Wicklow County Council on a number of significant projects to continually improve wastewater treatment throughout Wicklow and are delighted to announce the completion of this essential upgrade for homes and businesses in Blessington.”

Dawid added, “The completion of these works will provide Blessington and the surrounding areas with the infrastructure needed to support future growth by increasing the capacity of the plant as well as safeguarding the environment.”

Brian Gleeson, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, welcoming the completion of the project said, “This project will provide significant benefits for the people of Blessington, future-proofing social and economic development for the town for current and future generations. Blessington needs modern utilities to attract new businesses and to facilitate growth. We would especially like to thank the community and businesses for their patience and cooperation as we worked to deliver this vital wastewater improvement project.”

The project was carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Veolia Water Ireland.