All the focus is on Schull’s water this summer
18 July 2022
Schull is getting an upgraded watermains this summer and locals will be happy to hear the works will not disrupt the Calves Week Regatta.
Uisce Éireann is replacing almost 800m of old watermains on Colla Road but crews will down tools at the end of July to accommodate the popular local event.
Working with Cork County Council, Uisce Éireann is replacing the ageing mains from Schull’s Main Street to the junction of Colla Road and Barry’s Road with work beginning this week.
The new pipes will not only promise the area a more reliable water supply with fewer bursts and outages, but they will reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.
A stop-go traffic management system will be in place until Friday, 29 July but, in order to ensure locals enjoy the regatta without any traffic disruptions, works will come to a halt that evening and not recommence until Monday morning, 8 August.
Uisce Éireann’s Regional Lead Steven Blennerhassett is looking forward to getting the project off the ground.
“Working with Cork County Council, we have prioritised leakage reduction in the areas that need it most. This project in Schull will ensure that locals are not inconvenienced by regular bursts and the works will safeguard the area’s water supply for the future.”
“We’re also cognisant of the importance of the regatta to the area and we have arranged with Ward and Burke Limited, the contractor carrying out the works on our behalf, to ensure there’s a break in works to coincide with the event.”
When the essential work recommences a road closure will be necessary until Friday, 26 August. South bound traffic is recommended to proceed west to Corthna and take Barry’s Road to Colla Road/Barry’s Road Junction. Access for local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.
The essential works may require some short-term water interruptions, but the project team will ensure customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any unplanned interruptions.
“We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and work crews will make every effort to minimise any disruptions these necessary works cause,” explained Steven."
Customers with questions about the project can call Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or contact us on Twitter @IWCare. For further updates please see the Uisce Éireann website.
Uisce Éireann is working with local Authorities across the country to reduce leakage and provide customers with a more reliable water supply. Fixing leaks can be complicated but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2021 it was 38% and now we are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.
Since 2018, Uisce Éireann has invested more than €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the Leakage Reduction Programme. We are investing a further €250 million every year up to the end of 2030 - fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.
For more information on the Leakage Reduction Programme please visit www.water.ie/reducingleaks.