Backyard service works progress in Clara, Co Offaly

11 April 2023

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Offaly County Council, will be replacing ageing backyard water mains in The Green, Clara to safeguard the water supply to homes in the area. The delivery of these essential works will provide a safer, more secure water supply for the area, by minimising the frequency of bursts and improving the resilience of the network.

The works will involve the decommissioning of ageing backyard water mains and the delivery of over 350 meters of new, modern water mains which will be constructed along the public road. New service connections for customers will also be provided.

In some older estates across the country water connections, typically made of iron or lead, were installed to the rear of properties, often referred to as backyard service connections. The pipework due to age and deterioration factors can be a significant source of leakage. Backyard water services are usually shared, running through neighbouring properties making it difficult to detect and repair leaks. Since properties may share a connection, leaks and bursts can affect all properties in a neighbourhood which can result in low pressure. This project will strive to resolve these issues for properties in The Green, Clara.

Speaking about the project, Joe Carroll, Programme Manager, Uisce Éireann said, “The first step in ensuring the delivery of this essential project in The Green will require a survey of each property before the works commence. This is to assess the current water connection arrangements in place and to facilitate discussion on the best way to connect the new service to the customers’ homes.”

Joe added, “We would like to thank the local community, in advance for their patience and cooperation while we deliver this essential water network improvement project in The Green.”

The works may involve some short-term water interruptions, and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48-hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions. Where water mains are being constructed traffic management may be in place during this time, but local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

Customers to benefit from these improvement works will be contacted directly by Ward & Burke Construction who are carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann, to provide further information and to discuss a suitable time to carry out the individual surveys.

Our customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1850 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates visit the Uisce Éireann 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 €250 million every year up to the end of 2030 - fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.