Pipe replacement project commencing in Co. Laois to improve water supplies
21 April 2023
As part of its commitment to upgrade and improve water supplies across Co Laois, Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Laois County Council, is delighted to announce, it is replacing approximately 310m of aged water mains with new modern pipes along the Link Road, between Bridge Street (R445) and Shannon Street (R430), Mountrath.
The project, which will commence on Monday, 24 April, will provide a more reliable water supply and reduce the amount of treated drinking water lost to leakage. The works are a critical step in conserving our precious resource and reducing high levels of leakage which have been a significant source of disruption and outages for customers.
Programme Manager, for Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme, Joe Carroll is looking forward to getting crews on site. “Old and damaged water mains remain a huge source of leakage and continue to impact communities right across Ireland, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing these old water mains in poor condition will eliminate existing leaks and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.”
Joe added, “Simultaneously, work will commence to transfer new connections to a new mains in Lord Edward Street, Mountmellick. The delivery of these essential works will provide a safer, more secure water supply for the area, by minimising the frequency of bursts and improving the resilience of the network.”
“We would like to thank both communities in advance for their patience and cooperation during the works, we know based on previous experiences that the short-term inconvenience will be overshadowed by the lasting benefits.”
Where water mains are being installed traffic management will be in place however local and emergency access will always be maintained.
Both projects are being carried out by Ward & Burke Construction on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are due to be completed by the end of May 2023.
The National Leakage Reduction Programme helps provide a more reliable water supply to Irish communities by reducing high levels of leakage and improving water quality. Since 2018, its delivery has represented an investment of over €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the Leakage Reduction Programme. Uisce Éireann is also investing a further €250 million annually up to the end of 2030 directed at fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.
To find out more about Uisce Éireann’s national programme of works to reduce leakage and improve Ireland’s water supply visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme Page.
Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Supply and Service Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website or set your location on our website.
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 the Uisce Éireann website.