Delight for Donegal islanders as permanent water supply finally restored - Donegal Daily

Residents of Gola Island have expressed their relief and joy that the permanent water supply on the island has finally been restored.

Residents of Gola Island have finally had their permanent water supply restored following damage to its subsea water pipeline.

Uisce Éireann confirm that works to repair the damaged to the critical infrastructure on Gola Island has been successfully completed, restoring the island's permanent water supply.

The Boil Water Notice that has been in effect on Gola Island since April 2026 has also been lifted following a series of consultations with the HSE.

In a statement, Uisce Éireann outlined the complexity that was involved in the restoring the permanent water supply.

"The damaged pipeline involved a complex marine engineering operation supported by specialist contractors and technical experts. Extensive underwater inspections and surveys were carried out to identify the damaged section of pipeline before specialist marine vessels and diving teams were mobilised to carry out the repair.

"Once completed, the pipeline was tested and recommissioned, restoring a permanent water supply to the island and securing a reliable source of drinking water for the local community."

Following the restoration of the permanent supply, extensive sampling and testing were carried out to ensure the water met all required drinking water standards.

The results confirmed that the water supply is safe to drink and, following consultation with the HSE, the Boil Water Notice has now been lifted.

Customers can resume normal use of their tap water for drinking, food preparation and brushing their teeth.

For the island community, the restoration of the permanent water supply is really important in supporting daily life on Gola Island.

Damien O'Sullivan of Uisce Éireann, expressed his delight that the water supply serving Gola Island has been successfully restored and that the Boil Water Notice, which has been in place since April, has now been lifted.

"This marks the successful completion of a complex repair project that required specialist marine crews, diving teams and technical experts working together in challenging offshore conditions. Every stage of the operation was carefully coordinated around weather windows and sea conditions to safely repair the subsea pipeline and restore the island's permanent water supply," said O'Sullivan.

O'Sullivan stressed how water is an essential service for any community, but particularly for island communities where reliable infrastructure plays such an important role in supporting homes, local businesses and tourism.

"We know how challenging the last number of months have been for residents and visitors alike. I would like to sincerely thank the community on Gola Island for their patience, understanding and support throughout this period. We appreciate the cooperation shown by residents while our teams worked to restore a safe, reliable and long-term water supply for the island," said O'Sullivan.

A number of Donegal County Councillors have been flagging this issue for months.

Independent councillor Michael McClafferty has been one of them, and he expressed his delight that the repair works had finally been completed.

"I very much welcome this development to the residents on Gola Island."