National Leakage Reduction Programme continues as Clonakilty set to benefit

19 June 2023

Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Cork County Council, is replacing 1.5km of ageing, damaged water mains prone to bursts from Connors Cross to Inchydoney Road, Clonakilty. 

The programme to replace the water mains is due to commence in early July and will provide a more secure water supply. The works are a critical step in conserving water, our most precious resource, and reducing high levels of leakage which have been a significant source of disruption and outages for customers.

Portfolio Manager for Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme, Paul Moroney is delighted that the works are due to commence.

“Old and damaged water mains are a huge source of leakage and continue to impact communities right across Ireland, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing these old water mains that are in poor condition with 1.5km of new water mains will eliminate existing leaks and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground providing a more reliable supply for the people of Clonakilty.”

The section of works will take place along Conors Cross to Inchydoney Road, Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Traffic management in the form of road closures will be in place along the L8048 Clogheen Road and L4045 Clogheen Meadows, Inchydoney, Co. Cork for the duration of the project to deliver the works safely and efficiently. Traffic will follow a signposted diversion. Local and emergency access will always be maintained.

The works 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. 

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. If the existing service connections on the public side are lead these will be replaced as part of these improvement works.

The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd and are expected to be completed by September 2023.

The National Leakage Reduction Programme helps provide a more reliable water supply to Irish communities by reducing high levels of leakage and improving water quality. Since 2018, its delivery represents an investment of over €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country. Uisce Éireann is also investing a further €250 million annually up to the end of 2030 directed at fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply. 

To find out more visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.

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 local updates, please visit the Supply and Service Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website or set your location on our website.