Next stop, Malainn - National Leakage Reduction Programme continues in the Kingdom

13 September 2023

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Kerry County Council, is replacing over 3km of aged water mains in Malainn, Co. Kerry. 

The works, being carried out by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd, are due to commence in late September and will be completed by the end of November. Once completed customers in this area will enjoy an improved water supply with less disruption due to bursts and leakage. 

Commenting on the project Portfolio Delivery Manager at Uisce Éireann, Kevin Murphy said: “To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, there will be a seven-week road closure required. Alternative routes will be available, and diversions will be clearly sign-posted." 

“These works are part of a significant investment programme by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across the Kingdom, prioritising investment where it is needed most enabling these communities to thrive. We would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete these essential works.”

Areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers. To deliver the works safely and efficiently, a road closure will be in place from Monday, 18 September to Friday, 11 November. The road will be closed from the Tulaig junction on the N70 (opposite the Ring of Kerry Equestrian Centre) to the T-junction at Kealafreaghane West. Local diversions will be in place during this time along the N70 (opposite the Ring of Kerry Equestrian Centre) to St. Finian’s Church crossroads. The diversion will continue onto the L4010 towards Mastergeehy and divert at the crossroads towards Inchivata. Local and emergency traffic will always be maintained for duration of overall project.

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 disruption. 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.

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.

This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Kerry 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.

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 our website.