Out with the old and in with the new in Cappamore

16 January 2024

The busy start to the New Year continues for Uisce Éireann crews in County Limerick with work underway in Cappamore to improve water supply and reduce leaks for customers.

Uisce Éireann has prioritised 3.5km of water mains for replacement due to the increasing frequency of supply interruption in the Limerick town, as a result of aged failing water main infrastructure.

These essential works involve the replacement of 3.5km of damaged water mains with new modern pipes which will ensure a reduction in disruption from bursts and supply interruptions for customers. These works are being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme. The section of improvement works will take place along the L1128, from the L5306 crossroads as far as Lackamore. This significant project for the people of Cappamore will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road, to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply.

Project Manager for Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme, April Mangan, is delighted that this important project is now underway.

“Old and damaged water mains remain a huge source of leakage and continue to impact communities right across County Limerick, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing these old water mains in poor condition in Cappamore will eliminate existing leaks and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground. The delivery of these essential works will help provide a safer, more secure water supply for Cappamore by minimising the frequency of bursts and improving the resilience of the network. There may be some short-term inconvenience will the work is progressing, and we would like to thank the community in Cappamore in advance for their patience and cooperation while we work to deliver these new watermains and associated lasting benefits.”

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 required along the L1128 until 29 March, however, the community can be assured that local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times. The works may require some short-term water interruptions, but the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned interruptions. 

The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward & Burke Construction Ltd and are expected to be completed by May. 

The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries.

This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Local Authorities to reduce leakage and provide a more reliable water supply. Fixing leaks can be complicated 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, please visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.