Buncrana sewer upgrade starts in April
Site clearance took place at the Westbrook pumping station last week
The sewer network in Buncrana is being upgraded with work starting at the end of April.
As part of the works, Uisce Éireann will construct new stormwater storage tanks at the Westbrook pumping station at Wilson’s Bridge and at the Buncrana Wastewater Treatment Plant.
These are designed to reduce the risk of sewage overflows during storms and periods of heavy rainfall.
The building of a new underground stormwater storage tank at Westbrook forms a large part of the overall job, and contractors were clearing the site last week.
The existing holding tanks at Westbrook are prone to overflowing, causing sewage to flood into the Crana River during heavy rainfall and leading to significant pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency classifies the Crana as having poor water quality.
However, the change may not eliminate spills altogether. Planning documents show Uisce Éireann warning that there could be as many as seven spills annually, albeit a significant reduction on the current number of spills.
Around 3km of the sewer network around Buncrana, along Marian Park, Cahir O’Doherty Avenue, Aileach Road, Railway Road, Cockhill Road and Castle Avenue, will be upgraded to increase its capacity allowing for current and future population growth in the town.
New piping will be laid from a point just beyond Cockhill chapel to the new pumping station at Westbrook.
The Westbrook tank will have a capacity of 270 cubic metres, and more than 1km of sewer upgrades, pipes with a diameter of 375 millimetres (15 inches).
The work will include the decommissioning of two existing storm overflows.
Upgrades will also be undertaken at pumping stations at Westbrook, Derry Road, Ludden, Earlsfort and at The Pier.
Contractors Ward & Burke Water Ltd will carry out the work on behalf of Uisce Éireann.