Irish water outlines ballina watermains programme

A MEETING took place today with representatives from Irish Water, Mayo County Council, elected representatives and Ballina Chamber of Commerce to discuss the emergency watermains rehabilitation works which are being fast-tracked by Irish Water.

Previous meetings had been held to discuss the roll-out of the project in order that it will have minimum impact on the local business community and today’s meeting finalised the programme of works, with agreement from all stakeholders involved. The works are due to commence on Monday (October 5).

Irish Water will be contacting those directly affected by the works by letter, while regular updates in relation to the works will be provide to local media and public representatives in Ballina. Updates will also be available on www.water.ie.

Speaking after the meeting, Sean Corrigan, the regional information manager for the west and north west at Irish Water, said: “The rehabilitation works to be carried out on the watermains in Ballina are of vital importance to the town, both for sustaining existing business in the area and allowing for future business development.

“As part of these works, Irish Water will be replacing pipes which have caused serious problems for the water supply in the town over the last number of months.

“Irish Water is aware that the roll-out of the works will inconvenience residents and business owners in the town but we ask that they are patient with us while we complete the project, which is of vital importance to the economy in Ballina. Irish Water wishes to apologise in advance for the inconvenience caused.”

Reacting to the news, Councillor Gerry Ginty, an Independent councillor on Mayo County Council and chairperson of Ballina Municipal District, said: “I am delighted that this work is going ahead as it is vital for Ballina to have a secure water supply. While I believe there will be some traffic disruptions over the course of the works, they will have a significant positive long-term impact on Ballina.

“Irish Water has already held discussions with public representatives and Ballina Chamber of Commerce, and is going to do everything in order to minimise traffic disruption. The plan is to get in quickly, work as hard and as late as possible, and complete this phase of the works by the end of November.”