National Leakage Reduction Programme continues to improve water supply in Louth

Reduced leakage on the network and improved water quality

Irish Water, working in partnership with Louth County Council, continues to roll out a programme of works to replace ageing water mains prone to frequent bursts in a number of locations across the county.  

Once complete, the benefits of the project for local communities will include a more reliable water supply for all customers. This means reduced leakage on the network and improved water quality. Operational and maintenance costs will also be reduced as the network operation will require less maintenance. 

The work is part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme which, over the next 4 years, will see €500 million invested to reduce the level of leakage across the country by fixing and replacing ageing and leaking water pipes. This will ensure a safe, reliable water supply which is vital for our health, our environment and our growing population and economy.

Areas of Work

Works to replace an aging section of water mains have recently commenced in Hill Street, Dundalk. These works involve the replacement of approximately 150 metres of old cast iron mains which have been causing water quality issues for the community with polyethylene pipes.

A project to replace ageing water mains in Fr. Mc Cooey Terrace, Clogherhead, is due to commence in the coming weeks. The works involve the replacement of approximately 300 metres of old cast iron and PVC water mains with high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes. 

Chapel Hill and Howeshill

The project to replace problematic water mains in Chapel Hill and Howeshill, Omeath, is due to commence towards the end of August. The works involve the replacement of approximately 1 km of pipes in Chapel Hill and 600 metres in Howeshill. The existing mains are problematic PVC which are prone to bursts. Existing mains will be replaced with high density polyethylene pipes

The works to replace problematic water mains will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to the customers’ property boundary and connecting it to the customers’ water supply.

Lead pipe replacement continues across Dundalk

A programme of lead pipe replacement also continues taking place across Dundalk as part of the Leakage Reduction Programme.  

Find and Fix in Drogheda

In Drogheda, works are ongoing to find and fix leaks on the public water network. This scheme involves leak detection crews undertaking ‘Find and Fix’ detection surveys to identify sources of leakage. These surveys involve the leak detection crews using sounding equipment to locate leaks on pavements and other public areas. Where public side leaks are identified, Irish Water will carry out the necessary repairs. Some mains renewal works may be necessary as part of these repairs. 

Customer Impact 

Irish Water has planned the works in short sections in order to limit impact on customers. Traffic management may be in place over the course of the works. 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. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times. 

Commenting on the works, Grainne Carey, Communications Lead on the national Leakage Reduction Programme, said ‘The replacement of ageing water mains in a number of locations in Co. Louth will improve security of supply for local residents and businesses alike. Replacing the existing water mains with new modern pipes will provide a long-term solution to ensure a safe and secure water supply is delivered to customers. Irish Water understands this type of work can be inconvenient and will ensure our work crews make every effort to minimise any disruption these works may cause. We wish to thank the communities where the works are taking place for their patience while we deliver these necessary water network improvements.’

Leakage Reduction Programme 

Residents and businesses in the areas of the works have been notified and customers can call our customer care helpline on 1850 278 278 for any questions in relation to the works.

To find out more about the national programme of works to reduce leakage and improve Ireland’s water supply, visit our Leakage Reduction Programme Page