Works to safeguard the water supply for the Ratoath and Ashbourne communities

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Meath County Council, is progressing with plans to increase the storage capacity at Windmill Hill Reservoir and to replace the existing water main between Windmill Hill reservoir and Ratoath to improve the security of supply for homes and businesses in Ratoath and Ashbourne. The planned project will reduce incidents of disruption in both Ratoath and Ashbourne by replacing 7 km of old and damaged water mains which were prone to frequent bursts with new high density, polyethylene (plastic) pipes and the provision of significant volume of additional local water storage to address any disruptions to supply in any upstream infrastructure.

About the works

The project will involve the construction of a new trunk water main that will replace the existing asbestos cement watermain between Windmill Hill and Rathoath. This new watermain will run parallel to the existing one along the L5003 from the Reservoir site at Windmill Hill to the junction with the R155 at the entrance to Tayto Park and along the R155 from the entrance to Tayto Park to the junction with the R155 in Ratoath. The Project will also involve the construction of a new Reservoir adjacent to the existing Windmill Hill Reservoirs which is located in an area between Curragha and Kilmoon Cross.

Ground investigation surveys are currently in progress on the R155. These surveys are being delivered in adherence with current HSE and government COVID-19 advice. These surveys are being carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Whiteford Geoservices Ltd. and are expected to be completed by September 2021.

Traffic management will be in place for the duration of surveys and may include temporary traffic lights, stop/go systems, road closures and diversions. Signs will be erected to ensure road users are aware of current and upcoming traffic measures and local access and emergency access will always be maintained at all times. Consultations remains on-going with landowners impacted by the Project and regular engagement with the community is planned throughout the Project duration.

Commenting on the project, William McKnight, Regional Lead, Uisce Éireann said, 'The replacement of these ageing water mains and the construction of the new reservoir are scheduled to commence in 2022, in combination they will improve and safeguard the water supply for local residents and businesses Ratoath and Ashbourne. Replacing the existing water mains with new modern pipes and the construction of the new reservoir will provide a long-term solution to ensure a safe and secure water supply is delivered to customers to meet current demand and facilitate development in Ratoath and Ashbourne.'

Uisce Éireann is adhering to government and HSE guidance and in compliance with stringent Covid-19 controls to deliver this essential project. For further information regarding this project please visit our Windmill Hill Reservoir to Ratoath Trunk watermain project page.

Collaboration

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

Updates

The latest updates on these works will be available on supply and service section. Our customer care helpline is open 24/7 and customers can call us on 1800 278 278. Customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries.