Works progress to improve Forester Park supply

23 April 2021

Works to eliminate existing leaks and frequent bursts in Forster Park, Galway City commence as Uisce Éireann, working with Galway City Council are set to replace approximately 310 metres of old, problematic watermains. The mains are being replaced with new high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes which will reduce water supply disruptions for customers in the area.

The mains that are being replaced are located along Forster Park. The works will be divided into two sections to facilitate the laying of mains and connection on to existing mains on Dalysfort Road.

Outlining the benefits of these works Gerry O’Donnell, Uisce Éireann, explained: “These essential works will benefit residential and business customers in the area by strengthening and reinforcing the water network, and minimising disruption in their water supply by reducing leakage and unplanned outages when burst occur.

“Upon completion, there will be significant improvements in network performance and level of customer service in terms of efficiency and security of supply”.

The works commenced this week and will be completed in June 2021. Once completed customers in this area will enjoy an improved water and more reliable supply with less disruption. Farran’s Construction Ltd are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Uisce Éireann in line with COVID-19 restrictions.

This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Galway City Council to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated with over 63,000km of water pipe in Ireland. Most leaks aren’t visible, resulting in precious water being lost but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2020 it was 40% and we are currently on course to achieving a national leakage rate of 38% by 2021.

Gerry added: “To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, there will be some traffic management in place. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

“The works may involve some short-term water shut offs and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water shut offs. 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.

“This mains replacement work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to upgrade the water network in Galway City. We would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete this essential job.”

Customers have been notified about the works and can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or check out the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.

The National Leakage Reduction Programme helps provide a more reliable water supply to Irish communities by reducing high levels of leakage and improving water quality. Its delivery represents an investment of over €500 million between 2017 and 2021 to reduce leakage and replace old pipes on the water network.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Uisce Éireann would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

Uisce Éireann is working proactively with our delivery partners and as part of a multi-agency working group to ensure that our construction works are carried out in a controlled and safe manner, in keeping with Government and HSE guidelines to protect workers, their families and the broader community.

For more information on reducing leaks visit the National Leakage Reduction Programme section of our website.