Carrigans, Sligo: Uisce Éireann’s next stop on leakage reduction journey

23 March 2023

Before the end of this year homes and businesses in Carrigan’s, Sligo will be guaranteed a more secure and reliable water supply.

Uisce Éireann crews will arrive in the town in the coming weeks to begin work on replacing more than 3.2km of old water mains which are susceptible to regular bursts. 

Uisce Éireann’s Networks Regional Lead Declan Cawley is looking forward to getting this Sligo project underway. 

“Fewer bursts and less leakage mean a stronger supply for homes and businesses. Securing Carrigan’s water supply is a priority for Uisce Éireann and it is great to see this work commencing which will reduce the risk of outages from bursts now and into the future." 

Farrans Construction will carry out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann which will be completed in September. 

The new pipes starting from Rathnakelliga Reservoir (located close to Colaiste Mhuire) will be laid through the L5508 at Carrigans, Ballymote from its junction with the R293 to the L5507 at Sligo Road, will put a stop to bursts, outages and leakage and give customers much more confidence in their local water supply. 

A road closure will be required on the L1502 Pearse Road, Ballymote through the L5508 at Carrigans, Ballymote from its junction with the R293 to the L5507 at Sligo Road, Ballymote. A signed posted diversion will be place and local and emergency traffic will be accommodated at all times.

The essential works may involve some short-term water interruptions, but the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned interruptions. 

Declan continued: “We understand that this type of work is inconvenient, and our crews will make every effort to minimise disruption to the local people.  These works are essential for Carrigan’s and the long-term benefits will far outweigh any short-term inconvenience. We thank the community for their patience and co-operation.” 

This project forms part of Uisce Eireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme and will help Uisce Éireann achieve our 2030 goal of a national leakage rate of 25%. The National Leakage Reduction team has made great strides since 2018 when the leakage rate stood at 46%. 

Since 2018, Uisce Éireann has invested more than €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the national 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, visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.