13 million litres of water lost in leaks in O’Connell Street
Some 13 million litres of water were being lost through leaks each year on O’Connell Street, according to Irish Water. The startling figure came to light as the water company outlined details of the proposed € 1.25m water main and sewer rehabilitation Works for the street which was presented to local stakeholders including businesses and elected representatives at a meeting in City Hall. Speaking after the meeting, Sligo Chamber of Commerce President Des Faul welcomed the works saying: “This project is a very positive development for Sligo. Our water infrastructure is a key component of making Sligo an attractive location for investment. We were delighted to attend such an informative meeting and notwithstanding the necessary disruption, communications will be a key factor in the success of this project and the meeting was an excellent start to that process.”
The long awaited works will start on September 5th with the closure of the street to traffic until November 30th. Cathaoirleach of the County Council Cllr Hubert Keaney said: “This investment by Irish water is the seed which can mark the rebirth of Sligo city. Together with the O’Connell Street enhancement works it heralds a new era in the commercial and cultural life of this street, our city and indeed our county.”
The project will be undertaken in advance of the Council’s O’Connell Street Enhancement Project works programme to beginin 2017. The Irish Water works includes the completion of approximately 510 metres of water main rehabilitation and 210 metres of sewer rehabilitation on O’Connell Street and also extending into some adjacent streets.