Programme of works to future-proof water supplies in Charleville due to commence
07 December 2022
Safeguarding the water supply in Cork remains a vital focus for Uisce Éireann with further works planned in Charleville as part of its programme to drive down leakage and reduce the number of bursts and unplanned outages impacting the community.
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Cork County Council is replacing ageing water mains together with backyard lead service connections providing a more reliable water supply to 90 homes in Holy Cross Place, Charleville. The works, which are due to begin next week will see the delivery of approximately 900 metres of new water mains on the public road.
In some older estates across the country water connections, typically made of iron or lead, were installed to the rear of properties, often referred to as backyard service connections. The pipework due to age and deterioration factors can be a significant source of leakage. Backyard water services are usually shared, running through neighbouring properties making it difficult to detect and repair leaks. Since properties may share a connection, leaks and bursts can affect all properties in a neighbourhood which can result in low pressure.
Speaking about the project, Steven Blennerhassett, Regional Delivery Lead said, Uisce Éireann would like to thank all customers in Holy Cross Place who have engaged with us and assisted us in the provision of our backyard services programme which will not only result in significant water savings but will also reduce the number of bursts and outages impacting customers. These projects are only successful if all customers on a shared water connection support and facilitate these vital works so that the old and leaking mains can be decommissioned.
Steven added, “We would like to thank the local community in advance for facilitating these works and working with us while we deliver this essential water network improvement project.”
The works may involve some short-term water outages, and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48-hours’ notice prior to any planned water outages. Where water mains are being constructed traffic management may be in place during this time, however local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.
Customers to benefit from these improvement works have been contacted directly by Ward & Burke Construction Ltd who are carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann. The works are expected to be completed by April next year. To minimise any potential disruption during the Christmas period, the works will not take place from Thursday, 22 December until Tuesday, 3 January 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 represents 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.
Our customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1850 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates visit the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.