Upgrades at Lough Talt water treatment plant in County Sligo are set to commence following the appointment of a contractor.

Coffey Water Ltd has agreed a deal to deliver the works, which ensure a safe and secure supply of water will be delivered in the area by the end of 2020.

The current Lough Talt water treatment plant does not provide adequate treatment for protection against cryptosporidium and needs to be upgraded. The water supply is included on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Remedial Action List (RAL), because the plant does not provide sufficient protection against cryptosporidium and trihalomethanes (THM). 

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Due to the current state of the plant, a boil water notice remains in place in a number of areas, affecting 13,000 people.

The towns affected are Tubbercurry and Ballymote and a large rural hinterland including the villages of Annagh, Aclare, Bellaghy, Curry, Lavagh, Ballanacarrow, Carrowneden, Kilmacteige and Coolaney. The boil water notice also includes consumers supplied by the Ogham Group Water Scheme and the following areas in Co Mayo: Cloontia, Doocastle and Quarryfield.

Along with the plant upgrade, Irish Water is also investigating the long-term solution of providing water from an alternative source.

(CM/JG)