Poulaphouca Water Network Upgrade
Uisce Éireann is progressing works to upgrade the water network in Poulaphouca to improve water quality.
The project involves the installation of over 3.5km of water mains in the Bishopsland and Horsepasstown areas of Co. Kildare, and the Russborough area of Co. Wicklow. Works commenced in December 2025.
Works will take place at the N81 Baltinglass Road, L8363 Russborough and L83632 Glashina Road. The project will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by GMC Utilities Group.
A section of the works involves the decommissioning of ageing back yard water mains at Bishopsland and the delivery of new water mains constructed along the main access road. In some older estates water connections were installed to the rear of the property and are often referred to as backyard service connections. Backyard services are usually shared, running through a number of neighbouring properties.
This project is being delivered to improve water quality for residents and businesses supplied by ESB owned water infrastructure. Once upgrades are complete, Uisce Éireann will take the ESB owned network in charge and consult with the Heath Service Executive (HSE) to lift the existing boil water notice. The project will also improve the supply capacity of the existing water network in the area, improving performance and reducing demands on the current network.
The works are being carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by GMC Utilities and are expected to be completed in summer 2026.
What are the benefits of the works?
The benefits of these water network works include:
- Improving water quality – This project will provide a safe and secure water supply to local residents and businesses in the Poulaphouca area.
- Providing a more resilient water supply – This project will improve the resilience of the water network, increasing connectivity to enable re-routing of water supply as required.
Will customers be affected by the works?
Works are progressing as follows:
Phase 1
Along the N81, between the N81–L2025 junction and the area just north of the N81–L8861 junction, as well as on Bishopsland Road and the side road beside Poulaphouca Pitch & Putt.
Phase 2
N81 between Bishops Lane and the Wicklow–Kildare county boundary.
Phase 3
Along the L8363 and L83632 roads near Russborough House.
Standard working hours are Monday to Friday – 10am to 4pm for all works along N81-Baltinglass Road and 8am to 6pm for works on all other sections.
Works Update – February 2026
Works are currently taking place at the N81 Baltinglass Road, L8363 Russborough and L83632 Glashina Road.
To date, a total of 940 metres of pipe has been installed along the side road at Poulaphouca Pitch and Putt and along the N81 as part of Phase 1 of the project.
Work is continuing, with a further 174 metres scheduled for installation by the end of February.
Pipe-laying operations will continue along the N81 for the next four weeks under a temporary traffic light traffic management system.
Private side connecetion replacements will commence after pipe installation works are complete.
Uisce Éireann regrets any inconvenience these necessary water network improvements may cause.
For further information, please contact Johnny Cuciureanu, Community Liaison Officer with GMC Utilities, on 085 854 1594. Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project.
