Works progress to improve Macroom water supply

18 June 2021

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is replacing over 840 meters of problematic water mains to improve reliability of water supply in the area.

These works will commence in early July and are part of Uisce Éireann’s national Leakage Reduction Programme. The works will be carried out by Ward and Burke Construction on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are expected to be complete in August 2021.

The works will take place on the N22 between Coolcower House and Hartnetts’ Cross.

Old, damaged pipes will be replaced with modern, polyethylene (plastic) pipes. The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply. Where there are backyard water supply pipes, these will be replaced with front facing connections to the new water main.

This work is being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s Leakage Reduction Programme, which will see €500m invested nationally to tackle problematic pipes and leakage in Ireland’s ageing water network.

“Uisce Éireann would like to thank the local community, businesses, homeowners and commuters in the Macroom area for their patience and cooperation while we deliver this vital water network improvement project in Coolcower.” said Steven Blennerhassett, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead, Uisce Éireann.  

“Replacing the old, damaged pipes will safeguard water supply in Coolcower and surrounding areas. The new water mains and service connections will reduce the instances of bursts and water outages. These improvements to the water network are essential in providing a safe, secure and reliable water supply, now and into the future.”

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. Where water mains are being constructed, traffic management will be in place to ensure the works are carried out safely. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

“We understand that this type of work can be disruptive, but we are committed to working with the local community to minimise disruption,” added Steven Blennerhassett.

For more information, please visit National Leakage Reduction Programme section of our website.