Stradbally: Next stop on our leakage reduction journey

18 August 2022

Stradbally is getting an upgraded water mains this summer and locals will be happy to hear the works will not disrupt the Ploughing Championships.

Uisce Éireann is replacing approximately 2km of old water mains on the outskirts of Stradbally Village but crews will down tools in September to accommodate the popular event. 

The new pipes will not only promise the area a more reliable water supply with fewer bursts and outages, but they will reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.

Uisce Éireann’s Networks Programme Manager, Paul Harney, is looking forward to getting the project off the ground. 

“Working with Laois County Council, we have prioritised leakage reduction in the areas that need it most. This project in Stradbally will ensure that locals are not inconvenienced by regular bursts and the works will safeguard the area’s water supply for the future.”

“We’re also cognisant of the importance of the Ploughing Championships to the area and we have arranged with Ward and Burke Limited, the contractor carrying out the works on our behalf, to ensure there’s a break in works to coincide with this important event.” 

“We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and work crews will make every effort to minimise any disruptions these necessary works cause,” explained Paul.  

The works will take place on the L7835, from the junction at Aughamaddock along the N80. The second phase of works will continue along Kylebeg Road as far as Oakvale Graveyard with works expected to be completed by mid-November. 

In order to safely carry out the works, a road closure will be necessary on the L7835 with diversions in place from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday starting on Tuesday 6 September for approximately one month. Local access and emergency access will be maintained for the duration of works. Details of the traffic management plan have been communicated locally.

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

Customers with questions about the project can call Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or contact us on Twitter @IWCare. For further updates please see the Uisce Éireann website.

Uisce Éireann is working with local Authorities across the country to reduce leakage and provide customers with 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 2021 it was 38% and now we are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.

Since 2018, Uisce Éireann has invested more than €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the Leakage Reduction Programme. We are investing a further €250 million every year up to the end of 2030 - fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.

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