Uisce Éireann progressing new pipeline for West Cork

11 April 2023

Project to construct 13.5km of new watermains from Bandon to Clonakilty to support growth and development over the halfway mark.

Since early November 2022, Uisce Éireann has been working to complete approximately 13.5km of new watermains from Bandon to Clonakilty that will alleviate the challenges to the water supply in Clonakilty and accommodate growth and development in the short to medium term.

The works involve the construction of approximately 13.5 km of trunk watermain connecting Bandon Water Treatment Plant (WTP) on Carhue Hill to the WTP at Jones’ Bridge in Clonakilty via Baxter’s Bridge and the N71. 

Lisa Cogan, Uisce Éireann Regional Delivery Lead said “We are delighted to be over the halfway mark with approximately 10km of watermains constructed. This vital project will support growth and development in the beautiful West Cork town of Clonakilty and will ease the current supply challenges in the area.”

“We have been hard at work along the N71 and are progressing through the project on schedule, working in partnership with, Cork County Council and Ward and Burke Construction Ltd. I would like  to thank the people of West Cork for their patience and co-operation during the works."   

“Uisce Éireann is committed to playing its part in the national drive to provide homes to people who need them by developing and prioritising the delivery of key water services infrastructure.”

The capacity of treated water available at Bandon WTP means additional supply can be delivered to Clonakilty, while continuing to supply Bandon; all without taking additional water from the Bandon River. As a result, both areas will be able to continue to facilitate social and economic growth. 

For Clonakilty, the additional supply provided by this project will allow for housing to be developed in the short to medium term while also playing an important role in the long-term solution for the town and the surrounding areas. 

Uisce Éireann will continue to carry out the works on the N71 Bandon to Clonakilty Road which are anticipated to be completed in early June. From there, a further 2.4km of watermains will be constructed on local roads. The works, being carried out by Ward and Burke Constructions Ltd, are expected to be completed by Autumn 2023.

A stop-go traffic management system remains in place 5 days a week at two locations on the N71 to allow two work crews to operate simultaneously. Working hours are from 7am to 7pm daily and the road is be fully open to two-way traffic from 3pm Friday afternoon until Monday morning. 

Pre-connection enquiries can be made via the Uisce Éireann Connection and Developer Services team through our Connections page.