12 May 2019
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Irish Water, working in partnership with Cork City Council, is replacing 300 metres of problematic water mains on the Skehard Road to improve water quality, tackle the high levels of water leakage and improve the security of water supply.
The old, damaged cast iron pipes will be replaced with modern, polyethylene (plastic) pipes. Works to replace the water mains on the Skehard Road, between Scally’s Supervalu and Fothair na Darach/Oakdene, will commence on May 13th and are expected to be completed before July.
These works are being prioritised and being carried out ahead of Cork City Council’s phase 3 of the Skehard road rehab.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 the existing service connections on the public side are lead these will be replaced as part of this improvement work.
Replacing these water mains is part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme which will see €500m invested nationally to tackle problematic pipes and leakage in Ireland’s ageing water network.
The works will be carried out by Coffey Northumbrian Ltd. in partnership with Cork County Council on behalf of Irish Water. Works to replace a futher 4 kilometers of damaged water mains in the Beamount area will commence later in the year.
“As they get older, some pipes have a high level of leakage as well as being subject to frequent bursts.” said Steven Blennerhassett, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead, Irish Water.
“Replacing the old, damaged cast iron pipes will ensure a more reliable water supply. 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.”
Areas of work will be limited to short sections and works will take place in restricted hours to minimise impact and disruption to commuters.
Traffic management may be in place during this time. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.
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.
More information: For more information, please visit National Leakage Reduction Programme. https://www.water.ie/projects-plans/national-projects/leakage-reduction-programme/
