A much improved water supply for residents of Slieverue as water mains rehab works begin tomorrow

13 June 2022

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Kilkenny County Council, is replacing ageing backyard water mains and providing new service connections for customers in Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny.

The project, which commences on Tuesday, June 14, involves the replacement of water connections, typically made of iron or lead, that were installed in the back gardens of some older housing estates. The pipework, due to age and deteriorating condition, are a significant source of leakage and reduced levels of service. Backyard services are usually shared, running through several neighbouring properties, making it difficult to detect and repair leaks. Since all properties share a connection, leaks and bursts affect all properties; usually resulting in low pressure. 

The works involve the replacement of over 1.4km of problematic water mains with new modern pipes. The programme to replace the water mains in Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny will commence in mid-June with Site Investigations taking place first for a week or so to begin with. These works are being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.

Outlining the benefits the Backyard Service Replacement Project will bring, Joe Carroll from Uisce Éireann, explained: 

“Replacing these old and problematic pipes in Slieverue will reduce the drinking water lost by leakage and will bring an all-round improvement to water quality for the local community."

Joe added: “The section of works will take place between Mile Post and Slieverue village. Works will commence north of Mile Post at the Ballinamona Junction (L3410) and continue towards Slieverue Village (L3411) via Hartley’s Cross, to the junction of the Bullring Road and Airmount Road. Further works will take place along Rocky Road from Hartley’s Cross to Mile post finishing at the entrance to the large warehouse. The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Shareridge Construction Ltd. and are expected to be completed by the end of July 2022.” 

Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Supply and Service Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website or set your location on our website.

Since 2018, Uisce Éireann has invested over €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the Leakage Reduction Programme. We are investing a further €600 million up to the end of 2024 - fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.