The first phase of the County Tyrone-based Tullywhisker to Castletown major water improvement scheme is progressing well, NI Water has announced.

The £3m scheme, which is being carried out by contractor Farrans Glanua JV on behalf of the utility company, involves the realignment and improvement of an essential water trunk main, serving customers in Strabane Town and the surrounding local area.

The replacement of a 1km section of water main, including drilling across the Cavanalee River, with a robust twin main will take place to ensure additional resilience and security of the water supply for customers.

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Discussing the works, Anna Delargy, NI Water Project Manager, said: "Due to the sensitive nature of the Cavanalee River being a spawning river, we chose to drill under the riverbed instead of damming the river, to dig an open cut trench to lay our pipe, in a bid to reduce disruption and minimise the risk of disturbing the river and its wildlife. We are on track for completion of this project in June 2025.

"I would like to thank our project team including contractor Farrans Glanua JV and the local landowners for their support and co-operation in helping us progress the overall scheme, which will deliver a more resilient, improved water supply network and help safeguard the local water supply for many years to come."

Current pipelaying work has now been completed, with one outstanding connection scheduled to be undertaken this week. The current road closure on Fountain Street, Strabane, is expected to remain in place until April 1.

A video of the project can be viewed here: viewed here.