Works advancing to drive down leakage in Carraroe

08 December 2023

Securing the water supply in Carraroe, Kilmacowen, Ransboro and surrounding areas remains a top priority for Uisce Éireann as the intensive campaign continues to drive down leakage and improve the water supply to homes and businesses.

Uisce Éireann crews have commenced works starting in Carraroe as part of the replacement of approximately 3,169m of problematic water mains which are susceptible to regular bursts and high levels of leakage. Uisce Eireann have prioritised this main for replacement due to the increasing frequency of supply interruption in this area due to aged failing water main infrastructure. 

Highlighting the importance of this essential project, Patricia Lowry, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead at Uisce Éireann, said, 

“We are delighted to be making progress with this essential upgrade for Carraroe. The works will not only reduce the amount of drinking water lost to leakage, it will also provide customers in Carrowmore, Slieveroe, Grange East, Grange West, Lecarrow, Barnasrahy, Drinaghan, Graigue, Knocknahur, Knocknarae, Ballybeg, Tonafortes, Carrickhenry, Carrowkeel, Carrowgobbadagh, Knocknashammer, Tobernaveen, Seafield, Ransboros, Scarden, Strandhill and Rathcarrick with an improved confidence in their water supply by reducing the number of bursts and water outages."

The works are currently taking place between Carraroe National School towards Carrowmore along the L3601 and Oakfield Road. The essential works due to the mains replacement may involve some short-term water interruptions, however the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned interruptions. Uisce Eireann are aware there are unplanned bursts happening elsewhere on the section to be replaced and will respond to these as soon as they occur to maintain supply until the water main is replaced. 

Patricia continued: “We understand that this type of work is inconvenient, and our crews are making make every effort to minimise disruption to the local community. These works are vital 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 as these essential works progress”.  

Farrans Construction are carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann and they are on schedule to be completed by next Spring.  

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. 

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.

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