Leakage reduction works continue in Letterkenny

08 September 2022

Works to reduce drinking water lost by leakage continues in Letterkenny this Autumn, as Uisce Éireann crews return to the town to undertake mains replacement along Church Lane.

The works will involve the replacement of approximately 200 metres of old water mains along Church Lane, which will significantly reduce bursts and give locals a more reliable water supply when works are completed by October. 

Laying new pipes as part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme will also reduce the amount of treated drinking water lost underground and reduce disruptions from bursts and supply interruptions. 

Uisce Éireann’s Networks Regional Lead Declan Cawley is looking forward to building upon the leakage reduction work completed already in Letterkenny. Declan said: 

“Earlier this year we successfully replaced over 250 metres of old water mains along Wolfe Tone Place. Now we are prioritising works in Church Lane. Working with Donegal County Council, we prioritise leakage reduction works in the areas that need it most. Removing old pipes from the public water network in Church Lane will have major benefits for the supply in the area.” 

Declan continued: “Working in consultation with Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, we are delighted to commence these vital works, in tackling water pressure and leakage along Church Lane and improve water security to homes and businesses alike. 

The project 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.

To facilitate the safe delivery of the project, a road closure will be in place on Church Lane from Monday, 19 September to Friday, 14 October. Traffic will be diverted but local and emergency access will be accommodated at all times. 

Uisce Éireann customers may experience some short-term interruptions to their water supply, but the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned interruption.

“We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient for local residents but work crews will make every effort to minimise any disruptions these necessary works cause. We thank the community for their continued co-operation and patience,” explained Declan.  

Farrans Construction will deliver the project on behalf of Uisce Éireann. 

Customers with questions about the project can call Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or contact us on Twitter @IWCare. For further updates please see the Uisce Éireann website.

Uisce Éireann is working with local authorities across the country to reduce leakage and provide customers with a more reliable water supply.  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 38% and now we are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.

Since 2018, Uisce Éireann has invested more than €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the Leakage Reduction Programme. We are investing a further €250 million every year up to the end of 2030 - fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.

For more information, visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.