Works to replace almost 3km of watermains in Banteer

30 June 2022

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is replacing 2800m of problematic watermains in Duinch, Banteer Co. Cork which will improve water quality for the community. 

The project will commence in mid-July and form part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme. The works, being carried out by Ward and Burke Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann, are expected to be completed by late September.   

The section of works will take place along the Fr Murphy’s Bridge to Gortmore Road (L5252) from its junction with the R579 at Father Murphy’s Bridge, for approximately 2.8km westbound in the direction of the Mount Hillary Loop.

Outlining the benefits the mains replacement will bring, Steven Blennerhassett from Uisce Éireann, explained: “These old pipes in Banteer were problematic and had a history of bursting. By replacing these old pipes with new modern ones, it will reduce the drinking water lost by leakage and will bring an all-round improvement to water quality for the local communities." 

“A road closure will be required during this project, but we aim to minimise any impact on customers.  There may be some short-term water outages and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours notice beforehand." 

 “We understand that road works and water outages can be inconvenient, but our crews will make every effort to minimise disruption to local communities as we continue to improve the water supply in Cork and progress the National Leakage Reduction Programme.”

To complete the works in a safe and efficient manner, a road closure will be required on the Fr Murphy’s Bridge to Gortmore Road (L5252) from mid-July until late September. The road will remain closed from its junction with the R579 at Fr Murphy’s Bridge to its junction with the L5332, before the Mount Hillary Loop Carpark. The suggested diversion route for Westbound traffic is via R579 to Banteer Village and from the crossroads continue Eastbound, via L1121, to its junction with the L5332 road. Follow the road southbound to Mount Hillary. 

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 of the Uisce Éireann website or set your location on our website.

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 2021 it was 38%. We are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.

Since 2018, Uisce Éireann has invested over €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.

For more information on reducing leaks visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.