Works to replace lead service connections in Allmans Terrace, Rock Road, Killarney

28 June 2022

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Kerry County Council, is removing lead service connections from the public water network in Allman’s Terrace, Rock Road, Killarney, which will improve water quality for the community.

The project will commence in late June and form part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme. The works are being carried out by Ward and Burke Ltd. on behalf of Uisce Éireann and will take three weeks to complete.

The work will involve the replacement of existing lead pipes connecting the public water network to a customer’s property with modern high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic pipes. Property owners will be notified if it is likely that there is lead present within the boundary of their property. Property owners are responsible for replacing this lead.

Outlining the benefits the lead replacement works will bring, Steven Blennerhassett from Uisce Éireann, explained: “Replacing these old lead service connections in Allman’s Terrace will bring an all-round improvement to water quality for the local community. Lead pipework is prone to bursts and regular water outages and replacing it will provide a much more reliable supply of water to customers and local businesses in the area."

“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."

The works will be carried out from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday and traffic management will be required at these times to complete the works safely. Emergency and local traffic access, as well as access for deliveries, will be maintained at all times. 

"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 County Kerry and progress the National Leakage Reduction Programme.”

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.