Windmill Hill Reservoir and Trunk Watermain to Ratoath

Uisce Éireann is progressing works to construct a new treated water storage reservoir at Windmill Hill and to replace the existing watermain between the new reservoir and Ratoath.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Meath County Council, is progressing works to increase storage capacity at Windmill Hill Reservoir and to replace the existing watermain between the reservoir and Ratoath Village.

This project involves replacing over 7km of problematic, old watermains in Ratoath that are prone to frequent bursts and cause water supply disruptions for customers in Ratoath, Kilbride and Ashbourne. The old watermains are being replaced by high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes. These new watermains will also address low water pressure, particularly in Ratoath, which is encountered during periods of peak demand.

Shareridge Ltd are carrying out these works on Uisce Éireann’s behalf.

What are the next steps?

This project involves laying a new trunkmain from the Windmill Hill Reservoir to the Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) Roundabout, and from there to Ratoath. Pipelaying works will begin on Monday 13th March at the Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) Roundabout and progress along R155. Traffic Management measures will be in place during this time.

A necessary road closure is planned from Monday 27th March to Monday 8th May 2023 from the R155 / Skyrne Road Junction to the Emerald Park Roundabout. A signed traffic diversion route will be in place via Ashbourne during this time.

Construction of the new reservoir will progress in conjunction with the pipelaying works. We will endeavour to keep you updated as the project progresses. 

What is involved as part of this project?

• Construction of a new large diameter trunk watermain that will replace the existing 300mm asbestos cement main between Windmill Hill and Ratoath. The replacement watermain will run parallel to the existing watermain predominately in public roads.
• Construction of an elevated 4.7 million litre treated water storage reservoir and secondary disinfection system adjacent to the existing Windmill Hill reservoir.

What are the benefits of these works?

​The works carried out as part of this project will:

• Improve water supply security and resilience for homes and business in Ratoath, Kilbride and Ashbourne;
• Increase the water transfer capacity to meet current demand and facilitate development in Ratoath, Kilbride and Ashbourne;

Where will the construction be carried out?

The new reservoir is being constructed adjacent to the existing reservoir at Windmill Hill, which is located between Curragha and Kilmoon Cross. The replacement watermain will run parallel to the existing watermain along the L5003 and the R155 as per Figure 3 below.

Will there be traffic management in place?

As the replacement watermain is in the public road, the project will require a significant amount of Traffic Management. Typical traffic management measures may include temporary traffic lights, stop/go systems, road closures and diversions. Signs will be erected in advance of works commencing to ensure road users are aware of current and upcoming traffic measures.

Local access and emergency access will always be maintained and there will be regular engagement with the community throughout the project duration.

Future projects in the East Meath region:

Irish Water, working in partnership with Meath County Council, is continuing to invest and prioritise where we can deliver the most urgently needed improvements to drinking water quality, leakage, water availability, wastewater compliance, efficiencies and customer service. As part of this investment, there are a number of projects planned in the East Meath area over the coming years. Many of these are in the early design stage with site investigations due to commence in Q1 2023:

• Replacement of the Staleen Water Treatment Plant to Windmill Hill Reservoir trunk watermain;
• New regional treated water storage reservoir at Staleen Water Treatment Plant.