29 July 2019
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Irish Water, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is replacing 200 meters of problematic water mains to tackle the high levels of water leakage on the Kilmoney Road Lower in Carrigaline and improve the reliability of water supply in the area.
These works will commence on 29 July and are part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme. The works will be carried out by Coffey Northumbrian Ltd. in partnership with Cork County Council on behalf of Irish Water, and are expected to be completed by mid August.
The section of works will take place from the Top Petrol station due west along the Kilmoney Road Lower. Old, damaged pipes will be replaced with modern, polyethylene (plastic) pipes.
The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply. Where existing service connections on the public side are lead, these will be replaced as part of this improvement work.
This work is being carried out as part of Irish Water’s Leakage Reduction Programme, which will see €500m invested nationally to tackle problematic pipes and leakage in Ireland’s ageing water network.
“Irish Water would like to thank the local community, businesses, homeowners and commuters for their patience and cooperation while we deliver this vital water network improvement project in Carrigaline.” said Steven Blannerhasset, Leakage expert and Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead, Irish Water.
“Replacing the old, damaged pipes will safeguard water supply in the area. The new water mains and service connections will reduce the instances of bursts and water outages.These improvements to the water network are essential in providing a safe, secure and reliable water supply now and into the future and will allow us to get to grips with the size and scale of the problem of leakage. We have collaborated with Cork County Council to complete this section of works before road resurfacing works commence along this stretch of the Kilmoney Road Lower in August.”
The works may involve some short-term water shut offs and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours notice prior to any planned water shut offs. Where water mains are being constructed, traffic management may be in place during this time. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.
“We will continue to work with the community to minimise disruption. Customers can phone Irish Water on Callsave 1850 278 278 if they have any further questions about the project,” added Steven Blennerhassett.
