Significant Sligo investment as Carraroe gets new water mains

24 November 2023

Replacement of over 3km of old pipes will lead to more secure water supply

Carraroe on the outskirts of Sligo is set to reap the rewards of Uisce Éireann’s leakage reduction programme as a significant investment in replacing ageing water mains gets the go ahead. The works will help Sligo, as a regional centre of employment and services, to reduce leakage, bursts and outages in the area and give businesses, residents and visitors alike an improved confidence in the security of their water supply.

Uisce Éireann crews are scheduled to arrive in Carraroe in the coming days to begin work on replacing approximately 3,169m of old water mains which are susceptible to regular bursts and high levels of leakage. 

Uisce Éireann’s Programme Manager Patricia Lowry is looking forward to getting this important project underway. 

“Uisce Éireann is working hard to prioritise the delivery of a safe and secure water supply in Sligo. It is great to finally announce that the works in Carraroe are set to commence in the coming weeks, which will drive down leakage and reduce the risk of outages from bursts now and into the future. We are committed to enabling communities such as Carraroe and the wider Sligo community, as a regional centre of employment and services, to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment." 

The essential works may involve some short-term water interruptions, but the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned interruptions. 

The works will take place between Carraroe National School towards Carrowmore along the L3601 and Oakfield Road. A road closure will be in place on the L3601, and diversions will be clearly signposted. Traffic management in the form of a stop/go system will be in place to allow the works to be delivered safely and efficiently. People can be assured that local and emergency traffic will be accommodated at all times. 

Patricia continued: “We understand that this type of work is inconvenient, and our crews will make every effort to minimise disruption to the local people. These works are essential to ensure Carraroe and Sligo’s security of supply now and into the future, with the long-term benefits far outweighing any short-term inconvenience. We thank the community for their patience and co-operation.” 

Farrans Construction will carry out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann with a completion date of April 2024.  

This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Local Authorities to reduce leakage and provide a more reliable water supply. Fixing leaks can be complicated 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 Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. 

For more information, please visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.