New mains for Newcastle as upgrade works commence

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

Uisce Éireann customers in the Newcastle and Shantalla areas of Galway City are set to reap the benefits of an improved water supply this summer.  

Works have begun this week on a programme of mains upgrades in the Lower Newcastle Road area of the city, which will see more than 570 metres of ageing cast iron mains replaced with modern pipes.  

The works will take place in two phases, beginning at Newcastle Park and Newcastle Avenue before progressing to a second phase at Costello Road. In total, 574 metres of new pipes will be laid between the two phases.  
These works are being carried out under Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.  

Enda Mac Namara, Uisce Éireann Programme Manager, outlined the benefits that these mains upgrades will provide for customers in the area.

“Homes and businesses can look forward to an improved quality of drinking water in their taps once these mains upgrades are complete,” said Enda.  

“The new pipework will also significantly reduce the risk of operational issues on the local network moving forward, while helping us to move towards our aim of driving down rates of leakage." 

“We are cognisant that these works are being carried out close to entry points to University Hospital Galway. We have engaged with hospital management to ensure that they are aware of the works, and access to the hospital will be fully maintained at all times,” added Enda. 

In order for these works to be carried out safely, some traffic management measures will be required. These will include a lane closure with 2/3-way traffic lights and a stop/go system. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.  

Some night works will also be required to minimise disruption. Local residents will be notified before the commencement of night works. All works are being carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Farrans Construction and are scheduled for completion in late June.  

Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme has dedicated teams working across the country to fix on average 2,000 leaks per month.  

We are replacing old infrastructure to protect water, improve service, and support a stronger and more reliable network, helping us plan for the future as demand grows.  

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.