Uisce Éireann is set to commence essential water main replacement works in Knockdrin, Co Westmeath, which will improve the security of water supply and significantly reduce high levels of leakage in the area.
The project involves replacing over 2 km of aged and vulnerable water mains in Knockdrin Estate and along the R394 at Ballynagall and Monilea.
Scheduled to begin in mid-July, the works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Shareridge and are expected to be completed by Autumn 2025. Works will be delivered in carefully managed phases and short sections to limit disruption.
The works form part of a strategic plan to upgrade the water network across Westmeath, with over 30 km of water mains upgraded in recent years.
The delivery of the national Leakage Reduction Programme enhances the security of supply, reduces leakage, and promotes a more sustainable water supply within the county’s water network. Additionally, Westmeath is experiencing significant infrastructural improvements in water services, receiving vital investment in both water and wastewater.
Dave Murphy, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann, said:
"I have witnessed firsthand how our efforts to address leakage have directly benefited residents and businesses in Westmeath. We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient, and we will ensure that our crews make every effort to minimise disruption to the local community. The long-term benefits of this work — including fewer bursts, and a stronger, more dependable water supply — will be felt for years to come.”
In addition, new water service connections will be installed from the public water main to individual property boundaries. Where existing connections on the public side are made of lead, these will also be replaced to ensure a safer and more resilient water supply.
Identifying and repairing these leaks will help Uisce Éireann to achieve its 2030 goal of a national leakage rate of 25%. The national Leakage Reduction team has made great strides since 2018, when the leakage rate stood at 46%
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