New year promises improved water supply for Roscommon and Sligo

30 September 2022

The new year will bring new beginnings for Uisce Éireann customers in North Roscommon and South Sligo with a much more dependable water supply. 

The replacement of 3km of old water mains, which carries water for the South Sligo Public Water Supply, will put an end to bursts and reduce interruptions to homes and businesses. 

Crews are currently on the ground and the new mains will be laid from Pound Street in Ballaghaderreen, along the R293, as far as Tullaghanrock on the Sligo Road. 

The works, which are expected to be completed in early 2023, are part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme. 

Crews have reduced the rate of leakage nationally from 46% in 2018 to 38% at the end of last year and they are on their way to hitting the 25% target by 2030. 

Uisce Éireann’s Networks Regional Lead Declan Cawley is proud of the team saving water across the North West region and he’s looking forward to completing works in the border town. 

“Leaks can be difficult to find because they occur in a complex network of underground pipes but we’re making progress. In the North West, we’re working with local authorities across the region to drive down leakage. This project in Ballaghaderreen will deliver a much more dependable water supply to the homes and businesses in South Sligo. 

“The new pipes will also put a stop to the loss of treated drinking water underground.”

Farrans Construction will carry out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann and while there will be some disruption to traffic, motorists can be assured that areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise inconvenience. 

Meanwhile, any planned interruptions to the water supply will be communicated to customers at least 48 hours beforehand.  

“The short-term disruptions will be heavily outweighed by the long-term benefits. We thank the people of the area for their co-operations while the works continue,” said Declan. 

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. Since 2018, Uisce Éireann has invested more than €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the National 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.