City centre water works to resume

Water works on O’Connell Street are due to resume on September 4th and continue until November, according to Irish Water who has confirmed that the road will be closed to traffic.

Spokeswoman Toni Bourke told The Sligo Champion: “There will be road closures for a limited time during the works. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and deliveries will be facilitated.”

She added: “The important thing to stress is that O’Connell Street will remain open for business throughout.

“Once the details of the road closures are finalised they will be advertised.”

Sligo businesses were briefed on the O’Connell Street sewer works at a meeting last Tuesday night.

They were told that Irish Water, working in partnership with Sligo County Council and Carty Contractors, will restart the O’Connell Street sewer rehabilitation works that were suspended last November due to unforeseen circumstances.

Details of the final section of this project were outlined to business groups at the meeting in City Hall.

Toni Bourke said: “The overall project represents a € 1.3 million investment by Irish Water in Sligo City and will ensure improved maintenance and operation by increasing the structural life of the existing combined sewer which will mean reduced risk of sewer collapse or blockages.

“The works include the installation of the sewer liner on O’Connell Street. These works will commence on September 4 with an expected completion date in November.”

Padraig Hanly, Irish Water’s infrastructure regional lead explained: “The existing brick sewer network that conveys wastewater and storm water along O’Connell Street dates back to the late 1800s or early 1900s.

“Recent surveys that have been undertaken within the culvert have shown it to be in very poor condition structurally and badly in need of rehabilitation.

“Over the years there have also been other services laid through the top of the sewer network which have adversely affected its structural integrity and hydraulic capacity.

“This project will involve a complete rehabilitation of the sewer network running along the entire length of O’Connell Street.”

Diversions will be in place during certain stages of the works and these will be advertised closer to the time but Irish Water would like to stress that O’Connell Street will remain open for business during the duration of the works.

The work sections will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on residents, businesses and road users.

The project team will ensure that householders and businesses are advised of any works in their area in advance.

This project forms part of Irish Water’s investment plan where works have been prioritised to address the most critical issues in line with commitments outlined in Irish Water’s business plan.

Delivery of the business plan will involve a € 5.5bn investment in capital spending on drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure up to 2021.