Dependable water supply for Ireland’s Best Kept Town

June is proving to be a good news month for Carrick-on-Shannon. First it was named Ireland's Best Kept Town and now Leitrim's county town can look forward to a more reliable water supply. 

Uisce Éireann, working with Leitrim County Council, will replace old water mains along the L-3413 in Summerhill with works due to begin within days. 

The new pipework will significantly reduce leakage levels and put an end to disruption to the water supply due to bursts. 

Uisce Éireann's Networks Programme manager Declan Cawley is looking forward to getting the project underway. 

"Removing the old cast iron mains will not only improve the quality of water but it will reduce the amount of drinking water lost into the ground to leakage. Replacement of old mains also reduces the instances of bursts and water outages. Locals can look forward to a more reliable supply." 

Farrans Construction will carry out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann with a planned completion date in early September. 

In order to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of the essential works, a road closure along the L-3413 will be required. The diversion in place will be signposted, and locals can be assured that access will be provided for local and emergency traffic at all times. 

The works may require some short-term water interruptions to the water supply, but the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours' notice prior to any planned  interruptions.

"We understand that this type of work is inconvenient, and our crews will make every effort to minimise disruption to the local people.  These works are essential for Carrick- on-Shannon and the long-term benefits will far outweigh any short-term inconvenience. We thank the community for their patience and co-operation." 

This project forms part of Uisce Eireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme and will help us achieve our 2030 goal of a national leakage rate of 25%. The National Leakage Reduction team has made great strides since 2018 when the leakage rate stood at 46%. 

Since 2018, Uisce Éireann has invested more than €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the national Leakage Reduction Programme. We are investing a further €250 million every year up to the end of 2030 - fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.

For more information on the national Leakage Reduction Programme, please visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.