Connecting customers in Newtown Terrace, Thomastown to a more resilient water network

Uisce Éireann is starting works next week to strengthen the water network in Newtown Terrace, Thomastown by replacing ageing backyard watermains improving water quality and reducing high levels of leakage in the area.

The works will involve the replacement of over 240m of ageing cast iron watermains along Lady Well and Maudlin Street, along with the decommissioning of 381m of backyard service connections. These improvements are being delivered as part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme, which focuses on upgrading ageing infrastructure and reducing water lost through leaks before it reaches customers’ taps and improving water quality.

In some older estates across the country, water connections — typically made of iron or lead — were installed to the rear of properties and are often referred to as backyard service connections. Due to their age and deterioration, this pipework can be a significant source of leakage. These shared connections often run through neighbouring properties, making leaks difficult to detect and repair, and bursts can impact multiple homes at once, leading to issues such as low water pressure.

Commenting on the project, Portfolio Manager for Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme, Dave Murphy, said: “These essential network upgrades are an important step in improving water quality and delivering a more reliable and resilient water supply for homes, businesses, and the wider community. By addressing leakage and replacing ageing pipes, we are helping to safeguard water services in Thomastown and support a reliable supply of clean drinking water for years to come.” 

The works will be carried out by Shareridge on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are expected to be completed later this year.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering secure, safe and sustainable water services for communities across Ireland. Through its National Leakage Reduction Programme, Uisce Éireann is working to reduce leakage by repairing pipes, upgrading watermains and improving network resilience.

Ireland has over 65,000 km of public water pipes, many of which are ageing. Since 2014, leakage has been reduced from 49% to 36%, with ongoing investment focused on protecting water supplies, supporting growth and ensuring a more resilient network for customers nationwide.