Fofanny Water Treatment

Fofanny is a state-of-the-art fully integrated water treatment works that supplies around 100,000 consumers across south County Down every day. The works are located in the heart of the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We were contracted to complete the electrical installation and instrumentation services at this unique clean water project which had an overall value of £18 million. It is a new underground facility that provides potable water for 100,000 people, fed with water from the Fofanny Dam Reservoir. MDE carried out the complete electrical install of all processes and controls coupled with the complete building services installation for the site. It is a point of particular pride to have been appointed as an electrical and instrumentation contractor on this, the most unique water treatment facility ever built – a 52Ml/d works constructed completely underground. Our choice as a contractor signals our expertise and reputation in the water industry. The £18m design and build project is the first of its kind in Ireland. Fofanny’s forward-thinking and environmentally friendly design was centred around the fact that the works are located in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’; part of the Countryside Policy Area and a candidate for National Park status. It was judged “highly commended” by Business in the Community through the George Dawson Award. The project was completed on time and within the contract budget. Particular challenges included the adverse location with attendant difficult and exposed weather conditions. We were also required to work in full compliance with environmental and safety constraints.

Challenges and Complexities

• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the project required exceptional care and environmentally conscious practices to preserve the pristine surroundings.
• Innovative Design Solutions: Designing and implementing an underground water treatment facility demanded innovative solutions to ensure optimal functionality and environmental harmony. 
• Adverse Location/Weather Conditions: The challenging and exposed location in the Mourne Mountains meant contending with difficult weather conditions. Our team had to adapt and persevere to meet project objectives. 
• Environmental and Safety Constraints: Full compliance with stringent environmental and safety constraints was imperative to protect the unique ecosystem and ensure the well-being of all involved.