NI Water has announced that phase 1 of a major Water Improvement Scheme, which involves the realignment and improvement of an essential water Trunk Main, serving customers in Strabane Town and the surrounding local area, is progressing well.

The Tullywhisker to Castletown Water Improvement Scheme/Trunk Main Realignment involves the replacement of a 1km section of water main, including drilling across the Cavanalee River, with a robust twin main to ensure additional resilience and security of the water supply for customers.

Anna Delargy, NI Water Project Manager said:

“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.

“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.