Businesses and residents of Castleisland to benefit as replacement of water pipes announced

Businesses and residents of Castleisland are to benefit from a substantially better and more reliable water supply to customers and significantly reduce disruption to business in the town as Irish Water invest €250,000 to replace old asbestos, cast iron and lead water pipes in Castleisland, Co Kerry.

The asbestos cement pipes in Castleisland were laid in the 1970s and there have been frequent disruptions in the supply due to burst mains. This year alone, there have been six such incidents to date, leading to disruption to businesses and residents in the town.

The existing cast iron pipes, laid in the 1930s, are severely corroded and difficult to maintain. In addition to this, there are lead services pipes connecting to individual customers, which will also be replaced.

The project will see the replacement of a total of 700 metres of these old pipes with a 160mm uPVC watermain on Main Street. These works will be carried out by Kerry County Council’s direct labour crews and are due to get underway next February or March.

It is anticipated that the work will be completed within an eight to ten week period. However, due to the presence of rock in the ground, it is difficult to give an accurate timeframe for completion at this time.

While the works are in progress, disruption will be kept to a minimum by restricting activity to short and narrow daily work areas which crews will then restore fully before moving onto the next length.

Any customers with queries in relation to their water supply should contact Irish Water on 1890 278 278.