Works underway to replace problematic water mains in Enniscorthy

11 November 2021

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council have begun works to replace 1650m of problematic water mains in Enniscorthy. The works are taking place between Edermine (Spring Hill) and Vinegar Hill, on Cluain Dara, Esmonde Road, through a brown field site to Drumgoold Road where they will then continue on the pedestrian path to Vinegar Hill.

Speaking about the works, Uisce Éireann's Joe Carroll said;

"We understand that the community and businesses of Enniscorthy have been affected by outages and bursts recently, which is regrettable. These works are an important part of the ongoing improvements that Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council are carrying out, in a town that is developing and growing very quickly. We are also working to replace mains on Rectory Road in the town, and all of these replacements will make a significant difference to the security of supply.

“In order to safely and efficiently complete the works a road closure at Cluain Dara and Esmonde Road is required until Friday 26 November. Local access to either side of the works location will be maintained as the project progresses. Diversions will be signposted on approach with local access and emergency traffic facilitated.

"The works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions. I'd like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation as we carry out these works to improve the town's water supply."

The works at Vinegar Hill will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by our regional contractor Shareridge and are expected to be completed by late December.

Uisce Éireann and Wexford County Council has also recently completed works on the Coolballow Road in Wexford Town, which involved the replacement of approximately 2.1 kilometres of problematic water mains there.

Director of Services with Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore said;

"Enniscorthy has been experiencing numerous water outages in recent times which has been a difficult experience for all water consumers. This has been largely due to high leakage levels within the existing pipe network. While the plant is at maximum output to produce good water, we have been losing a lot of water due to the condition of some of the older cast iron and plastic mains.

To replace 1,650m of mains in this area of Enniscorthy Town is a very welcome investment and will no doubt save water and in turn save residents the hardships endured during water outages.

This mains rehabilitation, with the future upgrade works to the plant in Vinegar Hill and new intake works in Clonhaston will ultimately lead to an increase in both quality and quantity of water to Enniscorthy Town."

Residents and businesses in the areas to benefit from the planned improvements will be notified directly and customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project.

Uisce Éireann regrets any inconvenience these necessary water network improvements may cause. Details of any supply interruptions associated to this project will be updated regularly on 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 is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.