Out with the old, in with the new for Fermoy

Uisce Éireann crews will arrive in Fermoy this week to undertake works that will ensure a more reliable water supply for the community. 

Uisce Éireann in partnership with Cork County Council have prioritised works to replace more than 3.4km of old and damaged water mains in Duntahane along the L1511-15 Deerpark and L5764 Coolroe. 

This stretch of pipeline is prone to bursts so the works will put an end to disruption to the water supply in the area. The improvement works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers' property boundaries and connecting it to the customers' water supply.

Senior Portfolio Delivery Manager for Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme, Paul Gray is looking forward to getting the project underway this week. 

"We're well aware of the problems this stretch of water main has been causing. Carrying out these works under the National Leakage Reduction Programme will greatly benefit the community."

"Not only will it put an end to sporadic bursts but it will significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground. Customers can look forward to a more secure and reliable supply." 

Ward and Burke Construction Ltd will carry out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann with a planned completion date of October 2023. 

To ensure the safe delivery of the works, the L-511-15 Deerpark Road and the L5764 Coolroe will be closed for the duration of the project and signposted diversions will be in place. However, local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. 

"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 the area and the long-term benefits will far outweigh any short-term inconvenience. We thank the community for their patience and co-operation," added Paul. 

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

Uisce Éireann is also planning to replace ageing water mains in Rathhealy, County Cork with works due to commence in the coming weeks. Further details will be provided nearer to the commencement of these improvement works. Residents and businesses in the affected areas will be notified directly. 

These two Cork projects form 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, please visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.