Spring brings new beginnings and an improved water supply for Mohill
The evenings are getting longer, the days are getting warmer and Mohill can also look forward to an improved water quality this Spring.
Old water mains along the town's Main Street will be replaced in the coming weeks and the works will not only ensure a more reliable water supply but reduce high leakage levels and improve water quality.
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Leitrim County Council, will replace 570 metres of ageing mains on the R201 with new modern pipes.
In order to minimise disruption, the network rehabilitation works will be completed in advance of Leitrim County Council's Mohill Public Realm enhancement project, which will include a road overlay.
Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead, Declan Cawley is looking forward to seeing Farrans Construction, the contractor carrying out the work on behalf of Uisce Éireann, get to site.
"When the works are completed in June there will be an immediate impact for customers with an improvement in the water quality and supply due to reduced leakage rates and unplanned outages when bursts occur.
"Uisce Éireann invested in the replacement of ageing mains in Leitrim over the last number of years and we're investing further this year. Securing water supply in Co Leitrim remains a vital focus for Uisce Éireann and these essential works will help strengthen and reinforce the water network".
Since 2018 Uisce Éireann has invested more than €500million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the Leakage Reduction Programme. We're now investing a further €600million up to the end of 2024.
In order to complete the Mohill project safely, temporary traffic lights may be in place on Main Street for some of the works. But in order to minimise the impact to the people of Mohill, areas of work will be limited to short sections and local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.
Residents and businesses in the areas to benefit from the mains replacement have been notified directly. The works may involve some short-term supply, but the project team will ensure customers are given a minimum of 48 hours' notice prior to any planned water interruptions.
"We understand this type of work can be inconvenient. Crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause," said Mr Cawley.
Fixing leaks can be complicated but we are making great progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2021 it was 38% and now we are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 32% by the end of 2024.