Rural Water Programme

An allocation of €1,898,000 was received from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in respect of 2007 made up as follows:

• Small Public Water and Sewerage Schemes €750,000
• New/Completed Group Schemes €698,000
• Takeover of Group Water Schemes €450,000

The allocation under the Small Schemes Programme is being used to fund:

• the upgrading of Collooney Wastewater Treatment Plant;
• the refurbishment of Ballinascarrow Water Treatment Plant;
• North Sligo Sludge System;
• Lough Easkey Sludge System and Lamella Plates;
• The provision of a new watermain at Keelogoboy (Calry);
• Extension of sewerage network in Aclare (referred to above under public sewerage schemes).

Work is in progress on these projects.

Tenders were sought during the year for the Glack Group Scheme and work commenced at the end of October. The estimated cost of the scheme is €1.53m and when constructed it will supply water to approximately 92 houses and for use in agriculture.

The Doo Group Scheme for which tenders were also sought during the year is due to commence in December 2007. This scheme will serve approximately 47 houses and 16 farms and is estimated to cost approximately €355,000.

Substantial upgrading work was carried out on the Keash Group Scheme during the past few years. However as the scheme has been in place for over 30 years and there are still problems with leakage tenders were sought for the provision of further pipelines in the current year. The estimated cost of the proposed work is approximately €877,000. An application has been submitted for CLAR funding to fund part of the work which is expected to commence in December, 2007.

Planning is in progress for the provision of new group schemes at Mullaun (Cloonacool), Ballintogher/Gortlownan/Crossboy and Coolaney Road, Collooney and it is expected that work will commence on these schemes in 2008.

Work has been completed on the upgrading of the Monasteraden group scheme and this scheme is expected to be taken in charge in December, 2007. Work is also nearing completion on the Carnduff, Barnadrahy, Drinaghan, Carns (Aclare) and the Carrowlobaun Group Schemes and these schemes are also expected to be taken over in December, 2007/January, 2008.

WATER SERVICES INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

The Water Services Project Office has responsibility for Project Management and Administration of all Water Services infrastructural development projects funded via the Capital Programme, Service Land Initiatives, the Rural Water Programme and also Development Levy Schemes (funded entirely by Sligo County Council). It is the policy of Sligo County Council to bundle suitable schemes in order to deliver best value for money based on the principle of economies of scale. During 2007 a total of 52 schemes were advanced under these programmes with an overall budget estimate of €197M.

Sligo Main Drainage (DBO Project)

This project involves the Design Build & Operation of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (50,000pe), Pumping Station and Sludge Hub Centre at Finisklin, Sligo to service the existing and future needs of Sligo City and its environs. The design/build phase of the scheme commenced in October 2006 and works are currently well advanced on site. The plant is due to be commissioned in October 2008. The estimated project cost is €29M. Advance works for this project were carried out in 2002 on the site and approach roads at a cost of €8M.

Enniscrone Wastewater Treatment Plant (DBO Project) 

This scheme involves the Design Build & Operation of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant and Sludge Satellite Station in Enniscrone (5000pe) and the operation of six additional WWTP’s (Ballysadare 4500pe, Aclare 750pe, Cloonacool 500pe, Dromore West 2500pe, Coolaney 2500pe and Easkey 450pe). The contract was signed with EPS Ltd. on 23rd March 2007. Construction of Enniscrone WWTP is currently well advanced and will to be commissioned in 2008. The estimated project cost is €4.9M.

Teesan / Lisnalurg Sewerage Scheme 

This scheme involves the construction of 2.7km of foul sewers, 1.1km of storm sewers, 3.8km of watermains, one foul sewage pumping station and 0.8km twin rising main pipelines to service the entire zoned catchment area in Teesan Lisnalurg. The planning and procurement for the scheme was completed during 2007 and construction is due to commence in April 2008.

The estimated cost of the scheme is €3.7M.

Kilsellagh Water Treatment Plant (DBO Project) 

This scheme involves the Design Build & Operation of a new Water Treatment Plant at Kilsellagh, approx. 6.5km North East of Sligo town. The plant will have a maximum throughput capacity of 400m³/hr. The operation contract will include the existing impounding reservoir. The Report on Tenders has been submitted to the DEHLG. It is anticipated that the contract will commence during the second quarter of 2008. The contract period is 15 months. The estimated project cost is €9.62M.

Tubbercurry Grange and Strandhill Wastewater Treatment Plants (DBO Project) 

These three schemes involving the provision of new wastewater treatment infrastructure for the towns of Tubbercurry (5000 Population Equivalent), Grange (2500PE) and Strandhill (4500PE) are to be advanced as a single DBO project. The upgrade of Ballinafad WwTP has also been added to this project to deliver further value for money. The closing date for the tender period is 14th March 2008. It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded during 2008. The average cost estimate in the Design Review Report is €9.24M. It is also noted that advance works were carried out at the Tubbercurry WwTP during 2007 in accordance with an EPA Direction.

Carraroe Sewerage Scheme – Stage A

This element of the Carraroe Sewerage Scheme is being funded entirely by Sligo County Council from Development Levies. This scheme involves the installation of a foul sewage collection system complete with pumping stations and rising mains as required toservice lands zoned as WILT in the Carraroe/Ballydredhid area. The purchase of existing infrastructure built by private developers will be an integral part of the project. Planning and procurement of the scheme is ongoing and it is anticipated that construction work will commence in 2008. The preliminary cost estimate for the scheme is €4M.

Carraroe Sewerage Scheme - Stage B 

A Preliminary Report was prepared in 2002 for the provision of foul and storm water drainage on a 395 hectare study area from Carraroe to Ballydrehid. The DEHLG recommended revision of the PR to incorporate SUDS techniques in stormwater collection and disposal. Work on the revised PR has commenced and will be completed during 2008. Cost estimate for this element of the project is €2.6M.

Sligo Sewerage Scheme (Network Improvement) 

This project relates to proposed improvement works to the existing combined sewer network in Sligo City. The preliminary report highlighted 28 sections of the network which require improvement works based on network modeling and local knowledge. It is proposed to commence works at three locations in 2008, Pearse Road, O’Connell Street and along the railway track at Thornhill. It is also proposed to carry out CCTV surveys on other parts of the network to establish a prioritized schedule of works which will be advanced to construction stage on a phased basis. The total project cost is estimated at €5.7M.

Lough Talt Regional Water Supply Scheme (DBO Project) 

The initial phase of this scheme involves the preparation of a Preliminary Report to assess demands, sources and treatment options for the Lough Talt WSS. Work has been ongoing throughout 2007 on data collection, raw water sampling, demand modelling, asset review, source assessment and network model analysis. The Preliminary Report cost estimate for the entire scheme is €34.65M. Consultations are ongoing with the relevant prescribed bodies in relation to the EIS and water abstraction requirements for the scheme and this process will be advanced during 2008.

Water Conservation and Network Management Project 

The County Sligo Water Conservation and Network Management Project is sub-divided into three stages;

• Stage 1: Implementation of Water Management Systems: Asset data collection, mapping (GIS), bulk and district metering, pressure control, telemetry and hydraulic modelling.
• Stage 2: Active Leakage Control: Location and repair of leaks.
• Stage 3: Rehabilitation: The leakage control strategy implemented at Stages 1 and 2 above, will allow for the identification of areas with persistent high leakage, poor response to repair activities and level of service problems.

Stage 1 is practically complete and Stage 2 has already achieved a reduction in water production of 5546m³/day in the Sligo County & Borough areas. A detailed report on Stage 3 mains rehabilitation for the county area has being prepared and submitted to the DEHLG for approval. A similar report for the borough area will be submitted during 2008. Advance funding of €2M for Stage 3 is currently being sought from the ERDF.

A Strategic Operational and Management Plan is currently being prepared which will address the following:

• Continuation of active leakage control and maintenance of district meter areas, control zones and meters
• Updating and maintaining hydraulic models
• Rehabilitation and possible rationalisation of old pipework, based on hydraulic and structural considerations
• Detailed analysis of the security of supply.

The fundamental objective of the strategic plan will be the continued provision of a safe, adequate and secure water supply for the people of Sligo.

Cost Estimates for Stage 1 and Stage 2 is €3.42M, and for Stage 3 in the county area is €39.4M.

Rosses Point / Cregg / Ballincar Sewerage Scheme 

This scheme relates to the provision of three pumping stations and associated pipeline infrastructure for the transfer of raw sewage effluent from the Ballincar, Cregg and Rosses Point catchments to Sligo Main Drainage WWTP for treatment.

Site investigation works have been completed and draft Contract Documents are being prepared. Two pump station sites have been identified and Part 8 planning will be progressed. The estimated cost of the scheme in the PR is €3.9M.

Sligo Main Drainage Stage VI – Cumeen Sewerage Scheme 

This scheme involves the installation of a sewerage collection system to service existing development in the Cumeen area. The cost estimate for the provision of new infrastructure is €2.3M. The purchase of existing infrastructure built by private developers will be an integral part of the project. Work is ongoing on the completion of the Design Review Report and pending formal DEHLG approval the scheme will be advanced to the procurement phase in the current year.

Ballygawley, Mullaghmore, Cliffoney and Ballinacarrow Sewerage Schemes 

These four village schemes involving the provision of new wastewater infrastructure were progressed as a single project for the preparation of preliminary reports. Ballygawley and Mullaghmore have been approved under the Capital programme while Cliffoney and Ballinacarrow are approved as Service Land Initiative Schemes. The preliminary reports cost estimates for completion of the entire schemes are; Ballinacarrow €3.3M; Cliffoney €5M; Ballygawley €3.6M; Mullaghmore €9.5M.

DEVELOPMENT LEVY SCHEMES

Development Levy Schemes are funded from development levies charged in accordance with Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. This mechanism allows Sligo County Council to provide new infrastructure thereby facilitating development that would not be feasible otherwise. New wastewater treatment plants funded entirely from Development Levies have been completed in Coolaney, Dromore West and Carney during 2007.

Gurteen Wastewater Treatment Works

The new 2,500pe wastewater treatment plant in Gurteen is currently being commissioned and it is anticipated that the plant will be completed in April, 2008. The estimated cost for this scheme is €1,622,993.

Coolaney Water Supply

This scheme involves the installation of approximately 1km of 150mm diameter rising main and the construction of a new reservoir to provide 522m³ water storage capacity in the Coolaney area. The rising main is complete and works on the reservoir are substantially complete. It is anticipated that this new water supply infrastructure will be fully operational in April 2008. The cost estimate for the scheme is €252,000.

Ballintogher Wastewater Treatment Works

This project involves the construction by a private developer of a new 1500PE wastewater treatment works in the village of Ballintogher. A Special Contributions Scheme of €9,000 / unit has been put in place in Ballingtogher. It is anticipated that Part 8 Planning and procurement for the scheme will proceed in 2008 subject to formal agreement between Sligo County Council and the developer. The cost estimate for the scheme is €1,420,345.

Castlebaldwin Wastewater Treatment Works

This project involves the construction by a private developer of a new 1000PE wastewater treatment works in the village of Castlebaldwin. A Special Contributions Scheme of €9,000 has been put in place in Castlebaldwin. It is anticipated that Part 8 Planning and procurement for the scheme will proceed in 2008 subject to formal agreement between Sligo County Council and the developer. The cost estimate for the scheme is €1,393,680.

Rockfield Wastewater Treatment Works

This project involves the upgrade by a private developer of the wastewater treatment plant in the village of Rockfield. The upgraded plant will have a design capacity of 250PE. Sligo County Council has undertaken the completion of this scheme as a consequence of default by the developer to complete the works. The estimated cost of the scheme is €175,000.

Raghly Harbour Improvement Scheme

During 2005 a new slipway was constructed in Raghly Harbour as the first phase of a major improvement scheme. The project was conceived with the community group and promoted in partnership with the Community and Enterprise Directorate during 2003 and 2004 who secured Phase II funding for the slipway and other ancillary works. The Infrastructure Directorate took on the management of the contract to build the slipway which was completed in September 2006.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources funding for the much larger Phase II project involving a new quay, new jetties, dredging and ancillary works was secured by the Infrastructural Directorate, with an allocation of €0.845m in 2006. Love Contracts was awarded the contract which has a number of difficult aspects that are being overcome. Delays in commencement of Phase II has resulted in a shortfall in funding which has not kept pace with increased costs in construction, however, the bulk of the essential works were completed by Christmas 2007. The new protected harbour area was opened last autumn. Additional funding has been sought from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to fully complete the project. The Project Engineer for the scheme is Gary Salter and Dessie Sloyan is the Resident Engineer, Consultants - SDS Ltd, Contractor - Gerald Love Contracts.

Bunannaden Wastewater Treatment Works

This scheme involves the construction by a private developer of a new 350PE wastewater treatment works in the village of Bunannaden. The new plant will have potential for upgrade to 700PE in the future. It is anticipated that construction of the scheme will proceed in 2008 subject to completion of formal agreement between Sligo County Council and the developer. The contract costs for the scheme is €624,500.

Riverstown Sewerage

This project involves the upgrading of the existing wastewater treatment plant in Riverstown to provide automated fine screening and flow measurement. Works are now complete. The estimated cost is €92,000.

Ballymote Sewerage

This project involves the upgrading of the existing wastewater treatment plant to provide automated fine screening and flow measurement. Works are substantially complete. The estimated project cost is €92,000.

Ballinafad Sewerage Scheme

This scheme involves the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant with a design capacity of 350PE in the village of Ballinafad. The scheme is currently with the Tubbercurry/Grange/Strandhill Scheme for procurement purposes. A temporary plant upgrade is currently being put in place pending construction of the new plant. The cost estimate for the scheme is €600,000.

Collooney Sewerage

This project involves the upgrading of the existing inlet works at the treatment works to provide enhanced screening and inflow measurement. Works are ongoing at present. The estimated project cost is €100,000.

Lough Easkey WTP

Improvement works were carried out at the water treatment plant including replacement of filter media and lamella plates in the clarifiers. The estimated cost of the works is €180,000.A review of the plant process is ongoing to determine further improvement works required.

North Sligo WTP

Filter media and the lamella plates were also replaced in the north Sligo water treatment plant. Temporary additional storage capacity for wastewater settlement is currently being installed and Part 8 planning for the installation of a sludge holding tank is due before the Council in April 2008. The preliminary cost estimate for the works is €200,000.

Calry Pipeline

This scheme involves the installation of approximately 2km of trunk main to service the Calry No.2 PWS scheme from the new water treatment plant at Kilsellagh. The new pipeline is currently being commissioned and will be operational following completion of the Glackbaun GWSS. The cost estimate is €200,000.

Ballinascarrow WTP

This scheme involves the refurbishment of the existing water treatment plant at Ballinascarrow as well as the provison of new fencing and railings. The cost estimate is €100,000.

2008 Schemes

Some new schemes proposed for 2008 which are subject to DEHLG funding approval are: Easkey Sewer Network Improvements (€250,000); Enniscrone Sewer Network Improvements (€200,000); Tubbercurry Sewer Network Improvements (€300,000); CSO Screens (€150,000).

GROUP WATER SCHEMES

Glackbaun Group Water Scheme 

Located approximately 4km north east of Sligo, townlands include Drumkilsellagh, Kilsellagh, Lisduff, Doonally and Bellawillinbeg. The scheme consists of the provision of approximately 17500m of watermain, the construction of a booster pumping station and the construction of a 286m³ reservoir. There shall be 120no service connections to the scheme and the contract cost of the scheme is €1.53M. Work commenced on this scheme in October 2007 and to date 35% of the pipeline has been laid and the project is programmed to be completed in June 2008.

Doo Group Water Scheme

This project constructs of the construction of a water supply scheme in the townlands of Cloonagashal, Doobeg, Ardrea, Knockminna and Doomore located 5Km east of Ballymote. It consists of the laying of approximately 7200m of water main, the provision of an inline booster and reserve pump inclusive of housing kiosk and 47 domestic 16 agricultural connections to this scheme. Work commenced on this scheme in February 2008 and to date 35% of the pipelines have been laid. The contract cost of this scheme is €355,000.

Ballintogher Stage III Group Water Scheme

The area to be serviced is located north east of Ballingtogher and south west of Dromahair, along the R287. It includes the townlands of Castleore, Dromore, Crossboy and Gortlownan. There will be a total of 26 domestic and 13 agricultural connections to the scheme. It is proposed to lay approximately 3435m of water main at a total estimated cost of €360,000.00. It is proposed to connect this scheme to the existing public supply at the R287/R290 Junction.

Mullaun Group Water Scheme

Mullaun is located 1.5km south west of Cloonacool village on the Masshill to Cloonacool road. The project consists of 1030m of water main and the provision of an inline booster and reserve pump inclusive of housing kiosk at an estimated cost of €100,000.00. There will be a total of 1 domestic and 5 agricultural connections to the scheme. The scheme will be supplied from the reservoir at Cloocacool, which is served by the Lough Talt Regional Water Supply. Planning is in progress and it is expected that work will commence on this scheme in 2008.

Keash Group Water Scheme (Contract Number 2) 

This scheme is located 7km south east of Ballymote. The scheme consists of the laying of approximately 10,000m of watermain and 60 service connections. The estimated cost for the provision of the scheme is €877,000.00. The scheme will be supplied from the existing source at Lough Labe. It is anticipated that the scheme will be advanced in 2008 subject to approval of CLAR funding.

Coolaney Road Group Water Scheme 

This scheme is located 1.7km to the west of Collooney Village. The scheme will consist of laying approximately 6400m of water main with a total of 63 service connections. The scheme will be connected to the public water supply from Collooney. It is anticipated that part of the scheme will be constructed under the Small Schemes Programme. The total estimated cost for the scheme is €700,000.

Monasteraden Group Water Scheme - Takeover

Work is now nearing completion on the takeover of the Monasteraden Group Water Scheme. This project started in June 2006 and should be completed in May of 2008. The work consisted of the laying of 4400m of pipeline, the provision of a Booster Pumping Station, 5 bulk meters and a pressure reducing valve. Water Meter Boxes have also being installed on all nondomestic and agricultural connections. This scheme was approved for takeover at the Council Meeting in February 2008.

Watermain at Kilglass, Enniscrone

This scheme consists of the laying of approximately 4350m of water main along with 20 domestic connections and 6 agricultural connections. The estimated cost of this scheme is €400,000. The source of this scheme is Fortland reservoir which is serviced by the Lough Easkey Regional Water Supply. Work on the installation of the watermain is at an advanced stage and completion of service connections is ongoing.