Galway city centre’s ancient and failing sewer network is getting a €2 million upgrade to address many issues.
According to Irish Water the “Victorian” sewer network in parts of Galway city is one of the oldest and most antiquated in the country.
That age has brought with it a litany of issues including odour complaints, frequent blockages, and flooding in buildings.
Work has begun the installation of a new lining inside the existing sewers on Shop Street, William Street, High Street, Cross Street and St. Augustine Street.
It comes after extensive work removing over 330 tonnes of grit, fats, oils, greases from the old sewer.
This €2 million Sewer Rehabilitation Project is a partnership between Irish Water and Galway city council.
Eunan Canavan regional lead with Irish Water said this is an important project for Galway city which will result in a “much improved sewer network in the city center”.
He said that the improved sewer network will address the “flooding and odour issues which have been prevalent in the past.”
“We will be keeping residents and businesses updated in advance of works commencing through letter drop and we will be available to answer queries at any stage during the project.”
In order to reduce the impact of this work on businesses and shoppers, work will be carried out at night time on Shop Street with day-time works to take place on St. Augustine Street.
All works are due to be completed by October 2019.
Irish Water are also replacing a number of sections of collapsed sewer along Middle Street which are causing the sewer to block up.
To facilitate this Middle Street will be closed from 7am on Monday, June 17 until 7pm on Thursday, June 20.
