Project Summary
The Tuam Water Distribution and Main Drainage project involves the comprehensive upgrade and replacement of the water supply and wastewater networks within the towns of Tuam and Athenry, County Galway. Delivered for Galway County Council, the project replaces approximately 32 kilometres of water mains of varying sizes and materials, alongside the construction of foul and surface water sewers, a new reservoir, storm water holding tank, and ancillary infrastructure. Coffey acted as the main contractor, managing all aspects of construction, with the exception of permanent road surface reinstatement and white lining.
Project Description
Coffey was the main contractor responsible for the delivery of the construction works, including permanent road surface reinstatement and white lining. The project included the construction of new water mains using materials such as uPVC, HPPE, and ductile iron. These mains connected to a newly constructed 5,000m³ reservoir within Tuam.
In addition, the contract covers the installation of 7,112m of foul sewers and 14,316m of surface water sewers, with diameters varying between 150mm and 675mm. Key components include river outfalls, river crossings, ventilation columns, petrol interceptors, and a stormwater holding tank adjacent to an existing pumping station.
Coffey was also responsible for installing 23km of ducting and chambers to accommodate future gas, electricity, broadband, and telecom services. The project involved several no-dig techniques such as pipe bursting, directional drilling, and pipe-jacking under the N17 national primary route. The pipe-jack, executed in-house, was employed as a cost-effective alternative following site investigations that revealed unsuitable ground conditions for directional drilling.
Scope of Works
The works included:
- Laying 32 km of water mains, replacing the existing water network in Tuam and Athenry.
- Construction of a new 5,000m³ capacity reservoir feeding the Tuam water network.
- Installation of 7,112m of foul sewers and 14,316m of surface water sewers.
- Construction of river outfalls, river crossings, ventilation columns, petrol interceptors, and a stormwater holding tank.
- Installation of 23km of ducting and chambers for future utility services (gas, electricity, broadband, telecoms).
- Implementation of no-dig works including pipe-jacking, pipe bursting, and directional drilling.
- Traffic management planning and implementation, especially on busy routes such as the N17, where works are restricted to night hours (20:00–06:00).
- Provision of offices, depots, waste disposal tips, and a secure large storage area, including a dedicated concrete batching plant for cement bound material (CBM).
- Archaeological management and coordination with sub-contractors to prevent project delays due to sensitive areas.
- Delivery of as-built drawings and documentation contemporaneously with the works to ensure accuracy and support payment processes.
- Liaison with landowners for wayleaves and with service providers regarding overhead and underground infrastructure.
Technical Highlights
- Use of a bespoke batching plant to produce Cement Bound Material (CBM) on-site for trench backfilling on national primary routes, overcoming supplier planning restrictions and enabling night-time working on the N17.
- Innovative substitution of directional drilling with a 1.2m diameter open-faced pipe-jack for a no-dig crossing under the N17, following additional site investigation that identified unsuitable ground conditions.
- Design modifications proposed and accepted to replace 1.2m diameter pre-cast concrete chambers with smaller, cost-effective chambers where suitable, delivering material and labour savings.
- In-house execution of all trenchless technology works, including pipe-jacking, directional drilling, and pipe bursting, demonstrating strong technical capability and control.
- Extensive use of AutoCAD and GPS technology for project planning, layout, and as-built documentation, ensuring precise record keeping and efficient workflow.
- Implementation of complex traffic management plans with trained personnel to maintain safety and minimise disruption on high-traffic roads, particularly the N17 with 40,000 daily vehicles.
- Early identification and mitigation of archaeological risks through proactive coordination with Eachtra Archaeological Services, enabling uninterrupted works despite discovery of human remains.
- Weekly financial risk meetings with Galway County Council to resolve contractual matters proactively, reducing potential delays and claims.
- Direct management and coordination of specialist subcontractors for CCTV and jetting works to streamline project delivery and approvals.
Added Value
- The establishment of a temporary batching plant on-site permitted continuous production of CBM, avoiding delays associated with external supplier restrictions and ensuring compliance with night-working constraints.
- The innovative use of an open-faced pipe-jack under the N17 allowed the project to maintain its published programme, avoiding costly delays associated with unsuitable ground conditions for directional drilling.
- Collaborative approach to archaeological finds prevented disruptions to the main pipe-laying works and avoided additional costs.
- Client-approved redesign of chambers to smaller sizes yielded material and installation savings without compromising performance.
- Proactive community engagement, including weekly meetings with the Town Mayor, Local Area Engineers, and the Chamber of Commerce, plus use of Variable Message Signs (VMS) and a dedicated project website, ensured effective public communication and minimised complaints.
- A dedicated Engineer was assigned early on for as-built drawings, enhancing accuracy, reducing end-of-project workload, and simplifying payment procedures.
- In-house capability to carry out specialist trenchless methods maintained quality control and reduced reliance on external contractors.
Environmental, Safety or Community Measures
- Coffey’s approach included thorough planning for waste disposal with five suitably located tips secured outside the town, with all necessary permissions and GPS surveys conducted to ensure compliance.
- The project upheld stringent health and safety standards, with Coffey appointed as Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS) and Health and Safety Coordinator.
- Continuous liaison with the local community, elected members, and businesses helped minimise disruption and address concerns promptly.
- Weekly updates through a dedicated section of the project website, regular press communication, and strategically placed VMS signs provided transparent, timely information about potential delays and road closures.
- Environmental sensitivities, particularly archaeological considerations, were carefully managed with expert sub-contractor Eachtra Archaeological Services, ensuring protection of heritage sites and compliance with Ministerial Consent Licenses.
- Traffic management strategies were designed to maintain safety and reduce congestion, particularly on high-volume routes, with all site personnel fully trained in current legislation requirements.
- Secure site management included leased storage and batching plant facilities, maintaining high standards of site safety and environmental control throughout the contract duration.
To learn more about Coffey’s work in water and wastewater management, or to discuss future opportunities, please contact us at 091 844356 or info@coffeygroup.com.
