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Uisce Éireann statement on the continuation of essential operational and construction activities

08 January 2021

Uisce Éireann has reviewed the new Government restrictions issued today on COVID-19 and would like to assure customers that we are working with our local authority partners, contractors and others to continue essential operational and construction works to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services and to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public. Business continuity teams in Uisce Éireann will continue to convene regularly and will refresh and adapt contingency plans in line as the situation evolves.

Uisce Éireann’s capital investment plan prioritises the delivery of essential water and wastewater infrastructure to protect public health and it has worked throughout the COVID-19 crisis to continue to do so. It plays a key role in delivering water and wastewater infrastructure to meet housing and development needs, address legacy infrastructure deficiencies and to improve compliance with environmental standards for projects schemes across the country.

Working with its delivery partners strict operating procedures have been implemented across all sites to provide for social distancing, staggered working arrangements, increased hygiene requirements and the use of additional PPE as appropriate. These enhanced safety measures are subject to regular auditing and review by Uisce Éireann’s teams and are also subject to independent checks by the Health and Safety Authority.

Uisce Éireann is in regular contact with Local Authorities and other delivery partners to ensure that:

  • Staff welfare is protected
  • Sufficient chemicals for water and wastewater treatment are and will continue to be available
  • Plans for remote working and reduced staffing are in place and tested
  • Service is maintained at our customer contact centre
  • Appropriate Personal Protection Equipment is available and best practices are adhered to when operating on our operational and construction sites
  • That plans are in place to ensure that essential services can be maintained if an area should be restricted or critical staff are unavailable

Speaking about the continuation of these essential activities across Uisce Éireann sites, Managing Director of Uisce Éireann Niall Gleeson, said “Uisce Éireann’s absolute priority is the safety and well-being of our staff and the maintenance of water and wastewater services. We remain confident that we have the capacity and capability to maintain critical services for the country throughout the new COVID-19 restrictions and will closely monitor all operational and construction activity to ensure best practices are adhered to and transmission of the virus is prevented.”