Problematic water mains replacement in Tralee

Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Kerry County Council, is replacing problematic water mains in Tralee to improve water quality and provide a more reliable water supply.

The upgrade involves the replacement of over 270m of problematic watermains with new modern pipes. The programme to replace the watermains on Prince's Street, and a section of the Blennerville Road, will commence in early October and are being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme.  As part of the programme, Uisce Éireann are also near completion of works at Oakpark, Tralee which involved the replacement of 800m of old cast iron mains which had previously caused water quality issues and leakages.

The section of works will take place from outside the Kerry Group offices on Prince's Street to the junction of the Blennerville Road and Basin view where a night-time stop-go traffic management system will be in place. The proposed works are a continuation of a recently completed section of new water mains on the Blennerville Road and Basin View.

Outlining the benefits the mains replacement will bring, Steven Blennerhassett from Uisce Éireann, explained: "The upgrading of these watermains will continue to strengthen and reinforcing the water network in Tralee. We will be removing existing old cast iron and lead pipes from the public water network and replacing them with new pipes that will reduce the risk of contamination, reduce leaks and ensure a more reliable supply."

This project is another 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 Uisce Éireann 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.   

Steven added: "To facilitate the safe delivery of the upgrades, there will be some traffic management in place, however local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. 

"A stop-go traffic management system will be in place from 7PM to 7AM and will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers. We understand that road works and water outages can be inconvenient, but our crews will make every effort to minimise disruption to local communities as we continue to improve the water supply in Kerry and progress the National Leakage Reduction Programme."

The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward and Burke Limited and are expected to be completed by the end of October.

Residents and businesses in the areas to benefit from the planned improvements will be notified directly and customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project.

Uisce Éireann regrets any inconvenience these necessary water network improvements may cause. Details of any supply interruptions associated to this project will be updated regularly on our Water Supply and Service section.