Uisce Éireann and Cork City Council continue improvement works in St Patrick’s Hill area next week

30 October 2020

Uisce Éireann and Cork City Council are continuing works to replace problematic cast iron water mains to improve security of supply and reduce leakage. Prior to the commencement of the next phase of the Cork City Centre Movement Strategy in the Victorian Quarter of Cork City, Uisce Éireann will progress water network improvement works at St. Patricks Hill next week.

A short, 60m section of new watermain is to be constructed from the junction of Bridge Street/McCurtain Street and St. Patricks Hill to the junction of St. Patricks Hill and Wellington Road. In order to undertake these works safely and efficiently, a full road closure of the 60m length of road at St. Patrick’s Hill will be required for the duration of the works. The road closure will be in place for two weeks commencing on 2 November.

Works completed in the surrounding areas in 2019 have delivered substantial water savings to date and we would like to thank local residents and businesses for their ongoing cooperation as we work together to deliver these improvements for Cork. The adjacent works on Bridge Street are now almost complete.

Uisce Éireann is committed to delivering these necessary water network improvements for businesses and the wider community in Cork City by improving water quality, security of water supply and reducing leakage.

The water mains replacement works involve the decommissioning and replacement of approximately 60 metres of problematic aging cast iron water mains. The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead these will be replaced as part of this improvement work.

Uisce Éireann understands this type of work can be inconvenient and will ensure our work crews make every effort to minimise any disruption these works may cause.

These works are one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Cork City Council to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated with over 63,000 km of water pipe in Ireland. 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 2019 it was 42% and we are currently on course to achieving a national leakage rate of 38% by 2021.

Customers can call the Uisce Éireann customer helpline on 1800 278 278 for any questions in relation to the works.
These works are being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme which will, over the next 4 years, see €500 million invested to reduce the level of leakage across the country by fixing and replacing ageing water mains. This will ensure a safe, reliable water supply which is vital for our health, our environment and our growing population and economy.

For updates visit the Supply and Service Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website.