Irish Water has started construction works on the new Ardsbeg Water Treatment Plant (WTP) - the works are part of a €3.8 million investment by the water company in the Gortahork/Falcarragh Water Supply Scheme.

The works will enable the decommissioning of the existing Ardsbeg WTP - the investment forms part of the overall €73 million committed by Irish Water to water supply projects in Co Donegal.

When completed and tested this water supply will have the necessary treatment facilities in place to enable the scheme to be removed from the EPA’s RAL and will ensure that the 5,000 consumers in the Gortahork/Falcarragh areas receive a reliable supply of high quality drinking water. 

The contract involves the construction of a new water treatment plant immediately adjacent to the current site. The new treatment plant will comprise a robust flocculation, coagulation and filtration process followed by disinfection with a design output of 1,800m3/day.

The contract also includes a treated water storage reservoir at the treatment plant site, which will provide a much improved security of supply for the local residents.

David McLoone, Irish Water Asset Management, said:

 “The Gortahork/Falcarragh scheme is supplied from Lough Lagha, an upland lake. However, the existing water treatment plant is not adequate to address the risks to water quality and the scheme is subsequently on the EPA’s RAL. These works will ensure the people of Northwest Donegal will benefit from robust water treatment facilities and a safe and secure water supply into the future.”

EPS Group will carry out the works on behalf of Irish Water and it is expected estimated that the works will be completed towards the end of 2017.