Rathvilly to Benefit from more secure water supply as leakage reduction works begin

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

Residents of Phelan Street in Rathvilly will soon benefit from a more secure and reliable water supply, with Uisce Éireann set to begin works next week to replace ageing watermains and reduce high levels of leakage in the area and improve drinking water quality.

The works will take place along Phelan Street, Rathvilly, and involve decommissioning ageing watermains and installing 230 metres of new modern pipes.

In some older properties, water connections were often made of iron or lead. Due to their age and deteriorating condition, these pipes are now a significant source of leakage and reduced service levels. Many of these connections are shared between neighbouring properties, making leaks difficult to detect and repair. Because all properties rely on the same connection, bursts or leaks can result in low pressure for the entire group of homes.

Dave Murphy, Portfolio Manager with Uisce Éireann, said he is looking forward to getting this important project underway for the community in Rathvilly.“Aged watermains and old service connections contribute significantly to water leakage and quality issues. The replacement of these deteriorating watermains and service connections will improve water quality and the resilience of the network, eliminate existing leaks and reduce the amount of clean water lost into the ground. The works will also improve the operation of the network by reducing the need for frequent repairs to aged watermains, resulting in a positive impact on leakage and on the daily lives of residents. We would like to thank the local community for their support and patience in advance as we carry out these essential works.”

Residents who will benefit from these improvement works will be contacted directly by David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd, who are carrying out the project on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working every day to reduce leakage. Fixing leaks can be complicated. We have over 65,000 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. Leakage levels are now at their lowest ever, with water loss reduced from 49% in 2014 to 36% nationally.

Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or visit 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.