A €10 million extension of the Lough Mask Water Supply Scheme has been completed, improving the water infrastructure in the Co Mayo areas of Ballinlough, Cloonfad, Granlahan and Williamstown.

A number of local councillors performed an official opening of the extension to celebrate the new facilities.

The project involved 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 Granlahan water tower near Ballinlough. The existing Ballinlough and Williamstown water treatment plants were also decommissioned.

Speaking at the launch, Leas-Chathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr Peter Keaveney said: "Today is an important day for the people of Williamstown, Cloonfad, Granlahan, Ballinlough and the surrounding areas. The new pipeline from the Lough Mask Regional Supply will ensure a reliable supply of high quality drinking water for these areas for many years to come."

-- Advertisement --

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ciaran Cannon TD commented: "Our Government, through Irish Water, has invested €10 million in this project, and it's fantastic to see the positive impact of the investment here in Williamstown. The works were made possible through the wonderful teamwork of Irish Water working in partnership with Mayo, Roscommon and Galway County Councils and the project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when people work together to deliver results for our communities. Well done to everyone who worked so hard to bring this project to fruition. It is already greatly benefitting the local area."

Speaking about the project Michael Tinsley, Irish Water, added: "This project has provided a long term enduring solution for the 5,000 consumers in Ballinlough, Granlahan, Cloofad and Williamstown who have all had to put up with the major inconveniences of Boil Water Notices in the past. In December 2017 it enabled the planned lifting of the Boil Water Notice for people supplied from Ballinlough, and last August all consumers on this new supply were removed from the Environmental Protection Agency's Remedial Action List, a list which highlights at risk water supplies. This project outlines the importance of a one-utility approach to the provision of water services, and it highlights Irish Waters ongoing commitment to continue to invest €5.5 billion in capital spending on drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure up to 2021."

(CM)