Wicklow communities to benefit from upgrade projects

23 August 2022

Uisce Éireann customers in Wicklow’s Barndarrig and Roundwood will be happy to learn that works have been completed on two significant water mains upgrade projects.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wicklow County Council, has completed the construction of more than 3km of new water mains and ancillary works linking Barndarrig to Redcross Water Treatment Plant. In Roundwood, a further 4km of new water mains was constructed along the R764 to Vartry Water Treatment Plant providing both communities with a safer and more secure water supply.

Outlining the benefits of the works, Joe Carroll, Water Network Programme Lead with Uisce Éireann, said completion of both of these strategic projects, is another step in improving Wicklow’s water network.

“Uisce Éireann is delighted to have completed these significant projects for the people of Barndarrig and Roundwood. Both projects will provide the local communities with a safe and reliable water supply now and into the future. I’m sure this is welcome news especially to the local community in Barndarrig as they were previously impacted by drinking water restrictions due to water quality issues."

“We understand that the delivery of these important works to the underground water network caused disruption to the local communities, so again, we would like to thank the people of Barndarrig and Roundwood for their patience and cooperation while we completed these vital projects. Both projects were completed by Ward & Burke Construction Limited and we would like to thank them for their diligence throughout.”

John Bowes, Senior Engineer with Wicklow County Council, added: “As a result of the collaboration between Wicklow County Council and Uisce Éireann, customers across the county are currently enjoying a more secure and reliable water supply. These works in Barndarrig and Roundwood, undertaken through the Leakage Reduction Programme, will benefit customers by strengthening and reinforcing the water network. I would like to thank these communities for their patience as we delivered this significant work to provide a better water supply.”

In addition, Uisce Éireann took the opportunity to upgrade the local wastewater network, which involved the construction of almost 2.5km of new sewer pipeline from Barndarrig to Redcross. A sewer network that is fit for purpose is essential in order to support business and social development in the community. These works will support existing and future growth and development while also improving the overall performance of the sewer network and helping to safeguard the environment.

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.

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.