NI Water has reported significant progress on the first phase of a £3 million water improvement scheme designed to enhance the water supply network serving Strabane town and the surrounding County Tyrone area.

The project, being delivered by the Farrans Glanua Joint Venture, involves the realignment and upgrade of a crucial water trunk main.

The Tullywhisker to Castletown Water Improvement Scheme includes the replacement of a 1-kilometre section of existing water main with a more robust twin main. A key element of the work involved drilling under the Cavanalee River to lay the new pipes, a method chosen to minimise disruption to the sensitive spawning river and its wildlife, rather than employing traditional open-cut trenching or damming.

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NI Water Project Manager Anna Delargy expressed her satisfaction with the project's advancement: "I am delighted to report that this major £3m improvement scheme is progressing well, which involves maintaining and improving an essential water supply system for this part of County Tyrone, which will ensure the ongoing provision of high-quality water to our customers in the Strabane and surrounding areas."

Highlighting the environmentally conscious approach, Ms Delargy added: "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."

Ms Delargy also acknowledged the collaborative effort involved. "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."

NI Water confirmed that the current pipelaying work has now been completed, with only one final connection scheduled for this week. The completion of this phase marks a significant step towards a more secure and reliable water supply for the local community.