Uisce Éireann is progressing its National Leakage Reduction Programme – work on the programme which is continuing in Cork in Newcestown is set to bear fruit.

The water company, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is replacing over 1km of aged water mains in Newcestown.

The essential works are due to commence next week and will be completed by the end of November. Once completed, customers in the Newcestown area will enjoy an improved water supply with less disruption due to bursts and leakage.

Commenting on the project, Portfolio Delivery Manager at Uisce Éireann, Kevin Murphy said:

“The section of watermain that we are replacing has burst several times recently, so we are delighted to progress these upgrades for the local community, providing them with a more reliable water supply.

“These works are part of a significant investment programme by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network in Cork, prioritising investment where it is needed most and enabling these communities to thrive.’’

The project is being carried out by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

The works, which may involve some short-term water interruptions, also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customer’s water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead these are being replaced.

The project is another example of how the utility is working in partnership with Cork County Council to reduce leaks every day. With over 63,000 km of water pipes underground in Ireland, Uisce Éireann said that fixing leaks can be complicated. Most leaks aren’t visible, resulting in precious water being lost – however, the water company is continuing to make progress.

In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2022 it was 37%. Uisce Éireann is currently on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.