Irish Water has signed a contract to extend the Tuam Regional Water Supply Scheme to Loughrea - once complete, the €13.8 million project will ensure a robust, safe and secure water supply to over 9,000 local residents and businesses in the Loughrea area.

The contract for the design, construction and commissioning of the Tuam Regional Water Supply Scheme Extension will be undertaken by Shareridge and Farrans as a joint venture. Works are due to commence in the coming weeks and it is expected that the project will take approximately 18 months to complete.

The project will see the construction of approximately 20km of water mains from Carrowmonesh in Oranmore to the Seefin Reservoir, and the construction of a new 1,000m3 reservoir at Seefin.

Two new pumping stations will be built at Derrydonnell and Seefin and modification works will take place at existing pump stations in Lake Road and Knockanaima.

Once the project is complete it will lead to the decommissioning of two existing water treatment plants in Loughrea.

Commenting on the project Padraig Hanley, Irish Water, said:

“This project will see water coming from one of the most robust treatment plants in the region to bring security of supply to families and businesses in Loughrea. “