Uisce Éireann continues to deliver more reliable water supply in Kealkill, Bantry

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section.

Uisce Éireann is continuing to drive down leakage with water network upgrade works in Kealkill, Bantry, Co. Cork aimed at providing a more secure and reliable water supply for the local community.

In June 2024, Uisce Éireann commenced the substantial project in Kealkill, Bantry, which will see the overall replacement of nearly 5km of aged and fragile watermains prone to bursts.

The first phase of essential works has resulted in over 2km of modern watermains already constructed along the R585 Kealkill to Bantry Road in recent months. Uisce Éireann crews will now be commencing the second phase of works. The programme to replace the almost 2.5km of aged watermains is due to commence in mid November. The section of works will take place along the R584 from Pearson’s Bridge to Burke’s Gala.

Programme Manager for Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme, Jack Cronin, outlined the importance of the work being carried out and the benefits that will be felt by the community.

"The works are a critical step in conserving water, our most precious resource, and reducing high levels of leakage caused by old and damaged water mains that continue to impact communities right across Ireland, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing these old watermains that are in poor condition will significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground, increase the network capacity and allow for additional social and economic growth in the area ensuring Kealkill can continue to thrive. We would like to thank customers for their cooperation and patience while these works continue in the area.”

To continue to deliver these important works safely and efficiently, traffic management will be in place in the form of traffic lights along the R584, where local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.

The works will be carried out by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are expected to be completed by February 2025. The works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.  Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or check out the Water Supply Updates section of our website for regular updates.

This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated. We have over 63,000 km of water pipes underground in Ireland – enough to circle the earth one and a half times. Most leaks aren’t visible, resulting in precious water being lost but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2022 it was 37%. We are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.

For more information visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme 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.