IRISH Water has announced that work on the €9 million upgrade of the Ballybofey and Stranorlar Wastewater treatment plant will begin in May. The upgrade is set to increase the treatment capacity of the plant to meet the current needs of the town and to allow for growth.

 

Colm Claffey, Irish Water’s Infrastructure Programme Regional Lead, said the works will also ensure that wastewater is treated and discharged in compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations and conditions set by the Environmental Protection Agency.  The work will also improve the water quality of the River Finn and protect the aquatic environment from pollution.

 

The contract was signed by Irish Water and Response Engineering Ltd on Wednesday. Irish Water expects these works to last for approximately 16 months and upon completion the newly upgraded wastewater treatment plant will serve a future population equivalent of 9,200.

 

The utility company say capital investment in the region of €700 million per year is needed for a sustained period of several decades to address the poor condition of Ireland’s water infrastructure. Works have been prioritised to address the most critical issues in line with commitments outlined in Irish Water’s Business Plan up to 2021. Delivery of the business plan will involve a €5.5bn investment in capital spending on drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure up to 2021 while achieving efficiencies of €1.6bn.