Portroe set to benefit from water mains replacement works

19 January 2024

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Tipperary County Council, is replacing approximately 800 meters of old water watermains in Portroe. The watermains that were prone to frequent bursts and leakage are being replaced with new high-density polyethylene (plastic) pipes. Once complete, the works will provide a more reliable water supply, and reduce high levels of leakage. 

The works will take place along a section of the L-6052-12 from Ballyvaughan. The works 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. These works are due to start Monday, 22 January and are programmed to be completed by the end of February.

Once completed customers in this area will enjoy an improved water supply with less disruption. Shareridge Civil Engineering are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Uisce Éireann. 

Commenting on the project, Dave Murphy from Uisce Éireann said: “To facilitate the safe delivery of the project and to minimise impact on the community, areas of work will be limited to short sections. A road closure will be in place along a section of the L-6052-12 from Ballyvaughan. The road will be closed from Monday, 22 January to the end of February. Traffic flows will be diverted during this time with local access and emergency services access only. Diversion routes will be put in place via the R494- Portroe– Newtown, L6053 and L-2138-0. Hours of work will take place between 8am - 6pm (Monday-Friday) and 8am- 1pm (Saturday). Local and emergency traffic will always be maintained”.

Murphy continued: “This essential work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across the country, prioritising investment where it is needed most enabling these communities to thrive.” 

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

The works may involve some short-term water shut offs and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water shut offs. Uisce Éireann understands that this type of work can be inconvenient and work crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption.

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.

For more information, please 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.