Essential water main replacement works progressing in Knockdrin, Co. Westmeath to improve the water supply and reduce high levels of leakage
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Westmeath County Council, is progressing with water main replacement works in Knockdrin to improve the security of supply and reduce high levels of leakage in the area.
The works involve the decommissioning and replacement of almost 1.5 km of old problematic water mains along the Castlepollard Road (R394) with new, high density 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 customer's water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead, these will be replaced as part of this improvement work. The works, which are scheduled to begin on Monday 1 February, will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by GMC Utilities and are expected to be completed by April 2021. These essential works will be delivered in adherence with the HSE and government guidance on Covid-19.
To facilitate the safe delivery of these works, some traffic management will be in place including a stop/go traffic system, however, local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. The works may involve some short-term supply disruptions which we understand may cause inconvenience. The project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours' notice prior to any planned water shut-off's. Uisce Éireann and Westmeath County Council regret any inconvenience these improvement works may cause.
Speaking about the project, Matt Thomson, Uisce Éireann, said "We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and will ensure our work crews make every effort to minimise any disruption these works may cause. We 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 to safeguard the water supply in Knockdrin".
This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Westmeath County Council to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated with over 63,000km of water pipe in Ireland. Our national Leakage Reduction Programme will see €500 million invested up to the end of 2021 to reduce the level of leakage across the country by fixing and replacing old and damaged water mains. This will ensure a safe, reliable water supply which is vital for our health, our environment and our growing population and economy. For more information, please visit the National Leakage Reduction Programme section of our website.
Our customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.
Uisce Éireann is working 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.
