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Carlow communities set to benefit as crews improve water network

30 August 2023

6.5km of aged water mains to be replaced from Brownshill to Straboe Crossroads 

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Carlow County Council, is replacing approximately 6.5 kilometres of aged water mains between the Brownshill Reservoir and Straboe Crossroads. The works will increase the network capacity, facilitating future development, enabling Carlow Town to thrive now and into the future. Customers will also benefit from a more secure and reliable water supply with less disruption from unplanned outages. 

This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Carlow County Council to increase capacity, improve water quality and reduce leakage.

Commenting on the project Joe Carroll, Uisce Éireann said: "Old and damaged water mains are a huge source of leakage and continue to impact communities right across Ireland, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing these aged water mains will significantly reduce the risk of leakage and increase the network capacity. This will allow for additional growth in the area and ensure Carlow Town can continue to thrive."

We would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete these works over the coming months.”

The works will be carried out by Ward and Burke Construction on behalf of Uisce Éireann and will commence in early September. It planned that the works will be completed by Autumn 2024.  

The works may involve some short-term water shut offs and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water shut offs. Uisce Éireann understands that this type of work can be inconvenient and work crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption.

The works also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customer’s water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead these are being replaced.

In order to ensure the safe delivery of these works, three separate road closures will be required.. The first road closure will take place on Brownshill Avenue from 18 September until the 27 October. The diversion route has been communicated locally. Details regarding future road closures will be communicated as the project progresses. The Project Team will continue to liaise with key stakeholders, including Bennekerry Catholic National School to minimise any potential disruption. Local residential and emergency traffic will always be maintained throughout the project.

Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or check out the Water Supply Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website for regular updates.

For more information visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit the Uisce Éireann website.