Kilglass next to benefit from works as investment in West Sligo continues

02 June 2022

The residents of Kilglass in Sligo, will begin to see Uisce Éireann crews working to improve their water supply in June, as the utility gears up to begin replacing ageing watermains. Over 5.5km of new modern pipes are being installed as part of this scheme.

Outlining the benefits of the works Declan Cawley, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead with Uisce Éireann, explained: “These essential works will benefit customers in Kilglass and surrounding areas by replacing ageing watermains with new and improved pipes. The immediate impact of this work will see an improvement to water quality in the area, as well as reduced leakage rates and unplanned interruptions when bursts occur.

“The works are scheduled to start in the coming weeks on a phased basis. The locations of the works in Kilglass include along the L2502, from Bourke’s Bridge (junction with L2501 by the river crossing at Cuffestown), to its junction with the Kilglass to Rathlee Road (R297) by Kilglass Church of Ireland. In addition to this, works will also take place along the R298, from the junction with R297 (at Scott’s pub) for 700m towards the N59. Once the 5.5km of new mains have been installed and all existing services have been transferred, this will allow for over 10km of old damaged mains to be decommissioned from Kinard Reservoir to Bourke’s Bridge.

Declan said: “Farrans Construction Ltd are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Uisce Éireann and our Local Authority partners Sligo County Council. The works are expected to be completed by October. Once the main rehabilitation works are complete, customers and visitors to Kilglass and surrounding areas will see a significant improvement in the network performance and levels of customer service in this area in terms of efficiency and security of supply.”

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

Declan continued: “This mains work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to upgrade the water network in Sligo and we would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete this essential job. We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause.”

In order to complete these works in a safe and efficient manner, a phased road closure will be required on the L2502 road from mid-June to mid-September. Traffic management will be in place during this time however local and emergency traffic will be maintained with access provided to Kilglass National School. 

This road closure will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will take place from the Cuffestown Junction to the crossroads at Kilglass Church. Traffic heading in the direction of Kilglass National School will continue southbound via L2501 to the N59 and head westbound, before taking the Kilglass Road (L6507) to the church crossroads. 

The second phase will take place between the junction of the Kilglass to Rathlee Road (R297) and the church crossroads. Westbound traffic will be directed towards Kilglass Church Road (L6507) to the R297 before continuing westbound.

Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates, please visit the Supply and Service Updates section or set your location on our website.

Uisce Éireann has invested over €500 million between 2017 and 2021 to reduce leakage and replace old pipes on the public water network. We are investing a further €250 million every year up to the end of 2030. Fixing leaks can be complicated but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2021 it was reduced to 38%. We are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.