Drinking watermains replacement project starts in Ardsbeg, benefiting customers and businesses in the Falcarragh-Gortahork area

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Donegal County Council, is commencing works to replace 610 metres of old problematic watermains in the Ardsbeg area. The mains are being replaced with new high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes, which will reduce water supply disruptions for customers in the area.

The section of mains that are being replaced are located along the L-11533-0 with works commencing at the Ardsbeg water treatment plant and finishing at the Owentully river. The works which will commence tomorrow, November 3, will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Farrans Construction Ltd and are expected to be completed by December 2020.

Commenting on the project Declan Cawley, Uisce Éireann said: "To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, there will be some short-term local road closures and traffic management in place during delivery. The community will be notified of this in advance. Alternative routes will be available, and diversions will be clearly sign-posted. 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 crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause. We would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete this essential work."

Declan added, "This watermains replacement work in Ardsbeg is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to upgrade the water network across Falcarragh-Gortahork. Indeed, three other areas are set to benefit from watermains replacement works in Falcarragh-Gortahork this year. Works are substantially complete on the 1km section of watermains being replaced in Curransport, while the 724 metres watermains replacement works in Calheam/ An Sruthàn are ongoing and scheduled for completion later this month. We also anticipate that the 1.1km watermains replacement works in Derryconnor will also commence later this month."

This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Donegal County Council to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated with over 63,000 km 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 2019 it was 42% and we are currently on course to achieving a national leakage rate of 38% by 2021.

Customers 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 the Uisce Éireann 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.

For more information on reducing leaks visit the National Leakage Reduction Programme page the Uisce Éireann website.