New Galway water project will 'unlock potential for future housing developments'
The first phase of the works will see the installation of 680 metres of new water mains
Work is set to begin in the coming weeks on a major water infrastructure project on the east side of the city, which is designed to unlock the potential for future housing developments in the area.
The project is intended to boost network capacity and support residential growth in Murrough and Ardaun, and will also benefit residents in Ballyloughane and Doughiska, according to Uisce Éireann.
The first phase of the works will see the installation of 680 metres of new water mains along Ballyloughane Road, stretching from the Old Dublin Road to the Galway-Dublin railway line.
Once that is completed, contractor Ward and Burke will commence a second project on the Doughiska Road, where approximately 800 metres of new mains will be laid from the junction with the Monivea Road to the turn-off for the Fearann Rí estate.
Coffey Construction Limited has also been engaged to begin an upgrade of the Ballybane Pumping Station with a view to further strengthening the city’s water network.
The works were welcomed by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, who described them as evidence of the Government’s commitment to providing essential water services for home-building.
Michael McManus, Uisce Éireann’s programme manager, also noted the urgent need for new homes in major urban areas like Galway.
“With these new projects about to break ground, Uisce Éireann is demonstrating its commitment to customers and communities by delivering the vital infrastructure needed to support new residential development,” he said.
The projects are part of a priority investment strategy for Galway under a €2 billion funding programme linked to the National Development Plan.
To minimise disruption for local residents, businesses, and road users, specific traffic management measures will be implemented throughout the construction period.
Works at heavy-flow points, such as the junction of the Old Dublin Road with Ballyloughane Road, will be carried out at night.
Daytime operations will rely on stop-go traffic management systems, with local, emergency, and pedestrian access maintained at all times.