Replacement of ageing water mains to start in Bantry

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is replacing approximately 1.8 kms of problematic water mains at Ropewalk Road in Bantry to provide a more reliable water supply, reduce high levels of leakage and improve water quality in the area.

These works will commence in late July and are part of Uisce Éireann’s national Leakage Reduction Programme. The works will be carried out by Ward and Burke Ltd., on behalf of Uisce Éireann, and are expected to be complete by early October.

The section of works will take place between the Ropewalk/ N72 Junction and the turn for Bantry General Hospital.

All of the works will involve replacing old, damaged pipes with modern, polyethylene (plastic) pipes.

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. Where existing service connections on the public side are lead, these will be replaced as part of this improvement work.

This work is being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s Leakage Reduction Programme, which will see €500m invested nationally to tackle problematic pipes and leakage in Ireland’s ageing water network.

“Uisce Éireann would like to thank the local community, businesses, homeowners and commuters for their patience and cooperation while we work to deliver this vital water network improvement project in Bantry.” said Steven Blennerhasset, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead, Uisce Éireann.

“Replacing the old, damaged pipes will safeguard water supply in the area. The new water mains and service connections will reduce the instances of bursts and water outages and improve water quality in the area.

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. Where water mains are being constructed, traffic management may be in place during this time. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

“We will work with the community to minimise disruption.” added Steven Blennerhassett.

For more information, please visit National Leakage Reduction Programme section of our website.