Works to replace ageing water mains set to begin in Ballygarrett
01 March 2022
Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Wexford County Council, is replacing ageing, problematic water mains in Ballygarret to provide a more reliable water supply and reduce high levels of leakage. The works involve the replacement of approximately 2300 metres of problematic water mains with new larger capacity modern pipes. The programme to replace the water mains in Ballygarret will commence in early March. These works are being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme. The section of works will take place on the L5119-1 road from Ballygarrett Village to the junction with the L5122 at Kilmichael.
Speaking about the works, Uisce Éireann’s Programme Delivery Lead, Joe Carroll said;
“We are delighted to continue with the replacement of more ageing pipes in Wexford. The works are being carried out by our colleagues Wexford County Council and their own direct labour crew, and once complete, will improve the quality of water supply for the community in Ballygarrett. The benefits will see fewer bursts and water outages and will ensure a reliable supply of water to customers and local businesses in the area. The new pipes will eliminate existing leaks and reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.
“In order to complete the works in a safe and efficient manner, the L5119-1 road will remain closed from during working hours (8am to 6pm Monday to Friday) from Wednesday 6 March to Friday 6 May. Local access will be facilitated. A diversion from Ballygarrett to Kilmichael via Clonevin and Seaview via the R742, L5123 and the L5122 will be signposted on approach.”
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 the existing service connections on the public side are lead these will be replaced as part of this improvement work.
Wexford County Council’s direct labour crew has also recently completed works in Enniscorthy to improve water supply in the town. Works began in Oct 2021 to replace 1.5km of problematic mains in Rectory Rd, St Senans Rd and Templeshannon in the town. New service connections were made for more than 70 residential properties, one large demand commercial property and further supply links were installed to allow continuity of supply in the event of an outage in the area. The works were completed with minimal disruption to supply due to frequent engagement between the local residents and the Local Authority working on behalf of Uisce Éireann. Newsletters were issued periodically for the duration of the project to residents with updates on progress and the upcoming works.
Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Supply and Service Updates section or set your location on our website.
Uisce Éireann has invested over €500 million between 2017 and the end of 2021 to reduce leakage and replace old pipes on the public water network. Fixing leaks can be complicated but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2021 it was reduced to 38%.