Upgrades to improve water supply and reduce leakage in Oughterard

The quality of drinking water is set to improve for customers in Lemonfield, Oughterard as Uisce Éireann in partnership with Galway County Council is set to embark on a project to replace approximately 450 metres of old, problematic watermains. These watermains were prone to frequent leakage and bursts causing water quality issues and supply disruptions for customers in the area. The cast iron mains are being replaced with new high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.

The works commenced this week and will be completed in June 2021. Once completed customers in this area will enjoy improved water quality and more reliable supply with less disruption. Farran's Construction Ltd are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Uisce Éireann in line with COVID-19 restrictions.

Commenting on the project Gerry O'Donnell, Uisce Éireann said: "This mains replacement work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to upgrade the water network in Galway County. The works will benefit customers by improving water quality, strengthening and reinforcing the water network and minimising disruptions in their water supply by reducing leakage and unplanned outages. We would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete this essential job."

This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Galway County Council to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated with over 63,000km of water pipe in Ireland. Most leaks aren't visible, resulting in precious water being lost but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2020 it was 40% and we are currently on course to achieving a national leakage rate of 38% by 2021.

Gerry added: "To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, there will be some traffic management in place. Local and emergency access 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. We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause."

Customers have been notified about the works and can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or check out the Supply and Service Updates section of our website for regular updates.

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. Its delivery represents an investment of over €500 million between 2017 and 2021 to reduce leakage and replace old pipes on the water network.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Uisce Éireann would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

Uisce Éireann is working proactively with our delivery partners and as part of a multi-agency working group to ensure that our construction works are carried out in a controlled and safe manner, in keeping with Government and HSE guidelines to protect workers, their families and the broader community.

For more information on reducing leaks visit the National Leakage Reduction Programme section of our website.