The North Leitrim Regional Water Supply Scheme (RWSS) Phase II is a transformative infrastructure project designed to provide a sustainable and wholesome drinking water supply to approximately 10,000 people. Representing 40% of the total population of County Leitrim, the project ensures full compliance with European Communities Drinking Water Regulations (ECDWR). A significant early milestone was achieved in 2016 with the completion of the Rossinver/Kiltyclogher advance pipeline, which successfully removed the area from the EPA Remedial Action List and permanently ended long-standing boil water notices.
At the core of Phase II is the extensive upgrade and expansion of the Moneyduff Water Treatment Plant. To support the facility’s increased treatment capacity of 5,500 $m^3/day$, Jennings O’Donovan secured an increased Water Abstraction Order from Lough Gill, raising the limit from 5.5 Ml/d to 8 Ml/d. This process involved the preparation of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the hydrological impacts on Lough Gill’s recreational amenities and local ecosystems.
The project also involved the massive expansion of the regional distribution network, connecting several Group Water Schemes (GWS) and Public Water Schemes (PWS), including Mullies/Brackary, Leckaun, and Fivemilebourne. The engineering works across these areas included the installation of over 76km of rising, trunk, and distribution mains, the construction of multiple storage reservoirs, and the integration of advanced telemetry systems linked to a central SCADA system. These improvements provide the region with a modern, metered, and pressure-managed water network.
Jennings O’Donovan provided a full suite of consultancy services, from hydraulic EPANet modelling and stakeholder consultation to wayleave acquisitions and construction supervision. Their role was pivotal in navigating the complex planning and environmental requirements, ensuring the delivery of a robust water supply system for North Leitrim.