Plans progress on a more secure water supply in Ratoath and Ashbourne

09 March 2022

Uisce Éireann working in partnership with Meath County Council is progressing plans to increase the storage capacity at Windmill Hill Reservoir and to replace the existing water main between Windmill reservoir and Ratoath Village. These works will provide a more secure water supply for homes and businesses in Ratoath, Kilbride and Ashbourne by replacing 7 km of old and damaged water mains which are prone to frequent bursts. The construction of a new reservoir will increase treated water storage capacity improving supply resilience and reducing the impact of a supply disruption.

The project will involve the construction of a new trunk water main that will replace the existing asbestos cement main between Windmill Hill and Ratoath. This new watermain will run parallel to the existing one along the L5003 from the reservoir site at Windmill Hill to the junction with the R155 at the entrance to Tayto Park; and along the R155 from the entrance to Tayto Park to the junction with the R125 in Ratoath Village. The new reservoir will be constructed adjacent to the existing Windmill Hill Reservoirs.

Ground investigation surveys and detailed designs were completed throughout 2021 and Uisce Éireann intend to submit a planning application to Meath County Council this month. Uisce Éireann has also started the procurement process for construction of the new reservoir and water main and expect to enter a Works Contract during Q3 this year.

Commenting on the project, William McKnight, Regional Lead, Uisce Éireann said, ‘The replacement of these ageing water mains and the construction of the new reservoir are scheduled to commence this year. In combination they will improve and safeguard the water supply for local residents and businesses in Ratoath, Kilbride and Ashbourne. They will provide a long-term solution to ensure a safe and secure water supply is delivered to customers to meet current demand and facilitate development in these areas. Uisce Éireann will continue to provide updates as the project progresses’.

Uisce Éireann and Meath County Council understands this type of work can be inconvenient and our work crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption construction works may cause.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

The latest updates on these works will be available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website. The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 and customers can call us on 1800 278 278. Customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries.