Site works finally begin for Bandon town's new drainage system

IRISH Water has this week announced that it is commencing site investigation works and surveys as part of the Bandon Water Main and Sewer Network Project, in order to assist in the design of the water and wastewater network upgrade. 

The €7m investment will result in significant improvements to the drinking water and wastewater networks for around 6,500 residents and visitors to the town.

The upgrade of the drinking water network will deliver improvements in terms of water quality, security of supply, improved operational pressure and reduced leakage, according to Irish Water. ‘The upgrade of the wastewater network will increase flow capacity in the system, reduce sewage discharges to the Bandon River and will assist in alleviating sewer flooding such as that recently experienced in the town. The water and wastewater network upgrade works will also allow for increased future capacity, facilitating economic growth in the town,’ it said in a statement.

The project will involve the replacement of approximately 5.1km of water mains in poor condition with high levels of leakage. A total of 2.5km of trunk water mains will be installed in order to increase network capacity and to assist in stabilising pressure in the water network. The project will also target the replacement of ‘backyard’ shared service connections and lead and copper connections. Over 7.5km of new water mains and associated service connections will be installed across the town, resulting in significant improvements in network performance, the utility has promised.

 ‘The proposed upgrade works to the sewer network will increase flow capacity in the system, reduce sewage discharges to the Bandon River and assist in alleviating sewer flooding such as that recently experienced in the town. In total, 5km of existing sewers will be upgraded at various locations throughout the town,’ it added.

Commenting on the announcement, Mark O’Duffy of Irish Water said: ‘By delivering water and wastewater services in one project, Irish Water will reduce the impact of the works on the local community, deliver the works in a shorter timescale and generate overall cost savings. It is also upgrading two critical pieces of infrastructure at the same time in the town of Bandon which has long awaited this project. Site investigation works is the first important step in enabling design of the route for water and waste water rehabilitation work, and it is anticipated that a construction works contractor will be appointed in the second half of 2017.’

 The investigative works, which are now beginning, will confirm ground conditions and identify the location of the existing utility services. These works will take place at various locations around Bandon where water mains and sewers will be installed or replaced, and Irish Water expects these works to be complete by October. The work will be carried out by IGSL Ltd (ground investigation and geotechnical specialists) working on behalf of Irish Water.

 Site investigation works will involve small ‘trial hole’ excavations, slit trenches and borehole drilling. The work will also assist in the identification of any archaeological sites of interest. 

Irish Water also promises that traffic disruption ‘will be kept to a minimum’ and any road closures required will be advertised in advance in this paper. This project forms part of Irish Water’s investment plan where over €530m will be invested in upgrading water services in 2016 to improve the country’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Works have been prioritised to address the most critical issues in line with commitments outlined in Irish Water’s recently published business plan. 

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.