Dungarvan set to benefit from water mains replacement works
12 January 2024
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Waterford County Council, is replacing approximately 700 meters of old cast iron water watermains in Dungarvan. The watermains that were prone to frequent bursts and leakage are being replaced with new high-density polyethylene (plastic) pipes. Once complete, the works will provide a more reliable water supply, and reduce high levels of leakage. This project will also facilitate social and economic growth into the future, through the upgrading of water infrastructure.
The first section of this upgrade is 100 meters of new water mains on O’Connell Street between the junction of Stephens Street and St Bridget Terrace. These works are due to start week commencing 15 January and are programmed to last four weeks. This will be followed by a 600 meter section of new water mains on Springmount and Mitchell street, with a programme duration of eight weeks.
Once completed customers in this area will enjoy an improved water supply with less disruption. Shareridge Civil Engineering are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
Commenting on the project David Murphy Uisce Éireann said: “To facilitate the safe delivery of the project and to minimise impact on the community, areas of work will be limited to short sections. Traffic management will be in place at this time, in the form of a stop/go system. Local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.”
Murphy continued “This essential work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across the country, prioritising investment where it is needed most enabling these communities to thrive.”
This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Waterford County Council to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated. We have over 63,000 km of water pipes underground in Ireland – enough to circle the earth one and a half times. Most leaks aren’t visible, resulting in precious water being lost but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2022 it was 37%. We are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.
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.
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.
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.
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 our website.