National Leakage Reduction Programme continues with Macroom set to benefit

22 August 2023

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is replacing approximately 1.4 kilometres of old and damaged watermains on Inchigeela Road, Macroom, Co Cork that were prone to frequent bursts and leakage. The mains are being replaced with new high-density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.

The works, which commenced this week, will be completed by the end of September. Once completed customers in this area will enjoy a more secure and reliable water supply with less disruption. Ward and Burke Construction are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Cork County Council to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated. We have over 63,000 km of water pipes underground in Ireland – enough to circle the earth one and a half times. 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 2022 it was 37%. We are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.

The section of works will take place along the R584 Inchigeela Road and L3430 Sleaveen Road, Macroom, Co Cork. To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, traffic management in the form of traffic lights will be place for the duration of the project. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Commenting on the project Paul Gray, Uisce Éireann said: "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 in poor condition will eliminate existing leaks and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.”

"We would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete these works.”

“This essential work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across the country, prioritising investment where it is needed most enabling these communities to thrive.”

The works may involve some short-term water shut offs and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water shut offs. Uisce Éireann understands that this type of work can be inconvenient and work crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption.

Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or check out the Water Supply Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website for regular updates.

The works also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customer’s water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead these are being replaced.

For more information visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit the Uisce Éireann website.