New €19m reservoir and upgraded water network will enhance security and resilience of water supply in Co. Meath

Uisce Éireann has officially marked the completion of a major €19 million investment in Co. Meath which will enhance the security and resilience of the water supply and deliver considerable benefits to the local community and economy.

The works involved construction of a new elevated treated water storage reservoir on site at Windmill Hill, along with the installation of 7km of new water mains from the reservoir site to Ratoath.

This key infrastructure for the area has significantly increased capacity providing up to 24-hour storage; improving water supply, security and resilience for existing homes and businesses in Ratoath, Kilbride and Ashbourne; as well as improving water pressure, particularly in Ratoath, during periods of high demand. It also provides for the future with sufficient capacity for forecasted population growth and future housing and economic developments in the area.

To mark the completion, Uisce Éireann’s Infrastructure Delivery Director, Maria O’Dwyer, joined Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Councillor Sharon Tolan, Minister Helen McEntee, Minister of State Thomas Byrne, along with local councillors at an event at Windmill Reservoir. Also in attendance were representatives from Meath County Council, contractors Shareridge Ltd, who delivered the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann, and Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd, consulting engineers.

Explaining what the works will mean for the local community, Maria O’Dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director with Uisce Éireann said, “I’m delighted to celebrate the completion of this milestone project for the East Meath area. Delivery of this project was essential to enhance the security and resilience of the water supply to local communities as well as provide the necessary capacity to support future growth and development.
“It is just one of a number of strategically important investments Uisce Éireann are making in Co. Meath ensuring we deliver critical infrastructure that will enable communities to thrive now and into the future.”
“On behalf of Uisce Éireann I would like to thank everybody involved for their hard work and collaboration in delivering this project. Works on this scale are disruptive for the community and I want to thank people for their patience and co-operation while we completed this vital project.”

Welcoming the upgrades, Councillor Tolan added, “The importance of providing a secure water supply for a thriving community cannot be underestimated. This project not only supports current development but also lays a strong foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity in East Meath into the future.
“A water network that is fit for purpose is essential to support future growth and development and the successful completion of this project will do just that and is a testament to the collaboration and dedication to everyone involved in this project.
“I would like to commend Uisce Éireann for completing this project as part of its commitment to the people of Meath.”

Pat Wickham, Senior Executive Engineer, Meath County Council, commented that the new works have been operational since August 2024.
He said, “Uisce Éireann and Meath County Council are extremely pleased with the immediate water supply improvements that the new reservoir and pipeline have brought to the Ratoath and Ashbourne areas. I would like to take the opportunity to complement the entire project team, the contractor and the community for their co-operation in the delivery of this critical infrastructure.”

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website www.water.ie, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. We have launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues.Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at the Water Service Updates page.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.

For more information on the project please click here.