15 April 2023
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Cork County Council, is replacing approximately 780m of ageing, problematic water mains prone to bursts in Westcourt, Ballincollig, Co. Cork. The programme to replace the water mains in Westcourt commenced last week and will provide a more secure, reliable water supply and reduce high levels of leakage. The works are a critical step in conserving water, our most precious resource, and reducing high levels of leakage which have been a significant source of disruption and outages for customers.
Portfolio Manager for Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme, Paul Moroney is delighted that the works are underway.
“Old and damaged water mains are a huge source of leakage and continue to impact communities right across Ireland. 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. The 780m of new water mains will eliminate existing leaks and provide a more reliable supply for the people of Westcourt.”
The section of works will take place in Westcourt and will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers. To deliver the works safely and efficiently traffic management will be in place. Local and emergency access will always be maintained. 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.
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. If the existing service connections on the public side are lead these will be replaced as part of these improvement works.
The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd and are expected to be completed by June 2023.
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. Since 2018, its delivery represents an investment of over €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country. Uisce Éireann is also investing a further €250 million annually up to the end of 2030 directed at fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.
To find out more visit https://www.water.ie/projects/national-projects/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 local updates, please visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website or set your location on their website www.water.ie
