Essential works to safeguard supply due to take place in Greystones
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wicklow County Council, continues to progress with water leakage savings works in Greystones to improve the security of supply and reduce high levels of leakage in the area. The works include the installation of new valves to manage pressure as well as optimising existing valves which will have substantial operational benefits and will generate more stable network pressures. These improvement works in turn will reduce stresses on the water network, reduce the number of bursts, and improve water quality.
As part of these upgrades, further works will continue on the 400mm Trunk Main at Killincarrig. To facilitate the safe delivery of these works, a temporary loss of water supply to homes and businesses in Greystones and surrounding areas is required on Thursday 11 November from 8pm until 8am the following morning, Friday 12 November. Crews will make every effort to minimise the disruption to impacted customers and will work to complete these works as quickly and as safely as possible. It typically takes two to three hours following restoration time for the network to refill and normal water supply to fully return.
Some traffic management may be necessary, however, local and emergency access will be maintained. Uisce Éireann and Wicklow County Council regret any inconvenience these essential works may cause. Customers can find helpful tips and advice on how to prepare for planned works and avoid issues with their water supply by visiting the Prepare for works in your area section of our website.
Speaking about the works, Joe Carroll, Water Network Programme Lead with Uisce Éireann said, "Uisce Éireann acknowledges the co-operation and patience of local residents and businesses in Greystones while we work to complete these essential works. The size and scale of the leakage challenge nationally is well documented. These essential works together with the leakage savings expected as part of the overall upgrade works, will safeguard the water supply in Greystones now and into the future and support future growth and development in the town."
The Uisce Éireann 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. These essential works are being carried out by Ward & Burke Construction on behalf of Uisce Éireann in adherence with current HSE and government guidance on Covid-19.
This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Local Authorities to provide a more reliable water supply and reduce leakage. Fixing leaks can be complicated but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2020 it was reduced to 40%. We are currently on course to achieve a national leakage rate of 38% by the end of 2021. For more information, visit the National Leakage Reduction Programme webpage.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.