Uisce Éireann continuing investment to improve water quality in Portlaw

Uisce Éireann’s efforts to improve water supply across Waterford is continuing with works set to get underway in Portlaw. Water mains replacement works will commence on Connolly Road, Carrick Road and Priests Road to improve water quality and reduce leakage in the area ensuring homes and businesses have a safer, more reliable water supply.

Crews will arrive in Portlaw after the bank holiday weekend to begin work on replacing almost 2.2km of old and problematic water mains. 

Programme Manager Dave Murphy is looking forward to getting this important project underway. 
“Uisce Éireann is working hard to prioritise the delivery of a safe and secure water supply in Waterford. The works in Portlaw are set to improve water quality and drive down leakage now and into the future. We are committed to enabling communities across Waterford to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment." 

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

The works to benefit the local community will take place along Connolly Road, Carrick Road and Priests Road. Traffic management in the form of traffic lights and a stop/go system will be in place to allow the works to be delivered safely and efficiently. Local and emergency traffic will be accommodated at all times. 

Dave continued: “We understand that this type of work is inconvenient, and our crews will make every effort to minimise disruption to the local people. Works will be delivered in phases. It is planned that large sections will be delivered using trenchless technology to limit the amount of time the works will take and limit the overall impact on the community. This project is essential to ensure Portlaw’s security of supply now and into the future, with the long-term benefits far outweighing any short-term inconvenience. We thank the community for their patience and co-operation.” 

Shareridge will carry out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann with completion planned for early Winter 2024.  

These improvement works in Portlaw have been prioritised by Uisce Éireann and follow the works which are nearing completion between Portlaw and Adamstown where water mains are also being replaced to provide a more reliable water supply. 

This project forms part of Uisce Éireann’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 website.