Upgrades to improve water supply and reduce leakage in Dunmanway

16 November 2021

Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Cork County Council, is replacing problematic watermains in Dunmanway to improve water quality and provide a more reliable water supply.

The upgrade involves the replacement of over 1600m of problematic watermains with new modern pipes. The programme to replace the watermains in Dunmanway will commence in late November and are being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.

Outlining the benefits that the mains replacement will bring, Steven Blennerhassett from Uisce Éireann, explained: “The upgrading of these watermains will continue to strengthen and reinforce the water network in Dunmanway and the surrounding areas. The new pipes will create a more efficient network, reduce leaks and ensure a more reliable supply.”

This project is another example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Local Authorities to provide a more reliable water supply and reduce leakage. Fixing leaks can be complicated but Uisce Éireann are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2020 it was reduced to 40%. We are currently on course to achieve a national leakage rate of 38% by the end of 2021.   

Steven added: “These new pipes will create a more effective network in Dunmanway which previously had a high burst frequency. To facilitate the safe delivery of the upgrades, there will be some traffic management in place, however, local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. The works may also involve some short-term water outages, but the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours notice before any planned water outages.

“We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause as progress the National Leakage Reduction Programme.”

To complete the works in an efficient and safe manner, a section of the L8558 road will remain closed from the Darkwood Crossroads, approximately 350 metres eastbound toward Derrynasafagh, from late November until early December.

The suggested diversion is to travel northwest from the Darkwood Crossroads along the L4609 to the junction for Derrynafasagh before continuing southbound to the L8558 road.

A second road closure will take place from late November to late December along the L4609 road from the Inch Road junction as far as the Darkwood Crossroads. The suggested diversion is to travel southeast from the Darkwood Crossroads, continuing on the Cat Lane/Mary Road (L4617) to Market Square (R586), before heading westbound along Castle Street road (L4609).

All diversions will be signposted in advance. The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward and Burke Limited and are expected to be completed by mid-January. 

Residents and businesses in the areas to benefit from the planned improvements will be notified directly, and customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project. 

Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.