Construction work has started to extend the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply to Ballinlough in Roscommon and Williamstown in Galway.

Irish Water is working in partnership with, Mayo, Roscommon and Galway County Councils and is investing €10 million in the project.

Both the Ballinlough and Williamstown water supplies are also on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Remedial Action List (RAL). Upon completion of these works the existing Ballinlough and Williamstown water treatment plants will be decommissioned.

Michael Tinsley, Irish Water's Infrastructure Portfolio Delivery Manager commented: "This project will provide a long term solution to long term problems experienced by the people of Ballinlough and Williamstown. The good news for the people who are to benefit from this major investment is that they will enjoy a consistent supply of high quality drinking water without the need to boil it. The project outlines the importance of a one-utility approach to the provision of water services where a major source will supply three counties and ensure compliance with requirements set out in the EU Drinking Water Directive and national drinking water regulations."

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Irish Water has appointed BSG Civil Engineering Limited to carry out the works which are on track to be completed in one year.

The works include the construction of over 22 kilometres of new water mains, a new water pumping station at the Ballyhaunis reservoir, and the construction of a new reservoir and control building at the site of the existing Garranlahan water tower near Ballinlough. The existing Ballinlough and Williamstown water treatment plants will be decommissioned as a result of this robust solution to the long-standing water problems experienced in both of these areas.

(CD/MH)