Bandon braces for €7m water works

One of Cork’s largest towns is bracing for major upheaval after Irish Water confirmed plans to begin a major €7m combined upgrade of its water and sewer network next year.

The utility announced details yesterday of the Bandon Watermain and Sewer Network Project which will begin construction in the second half of 2016.

The project is a merger of the previously named Bandon sewerage collection scheme and the new Bandon watermain rehabilitation project.

Work on these schemes stalled in 2012 when contractors withdrew from the project, with mutual agreement from Cork County Council, after finding far more underground archaeology than initially anticipated.

However, the schemes were prioritised by Irish Water, which

said the investment would result in significant improvements to the water and wastewater networks in the town.

It said the proposed watermain works will reduce leakage as well as allowing for increased future capacity which will facilitate economic growth in the town.

Irish Water also said the sewer network project will increase flow capacity in the system, reduce sewage discharges to the Bandon River and help alleviate sewer flooding in the town.

A Transportation and Public Realm Enhancement Works Project, which is at planning stage by Cork County Council, proposes a five-year moratorium on major road works in Bandon following the completion of streetscape works to avoid further disruption to local businesses and residents.

Irish Water spokesperson Aisling Buckley said installing the water mains and sewers in Bandon at the same time would allow the proposed streetscape works to be carried out sooner and would also mean a reduction in the likelihood of future re-excavation of the new streetscape.