Bagenalstown Water Mains Replacement
National Leakage Reduction Programme
Uisce Éireann in partnership with Carlow County Council, is replacing aged water mains in Bagenalstown Town Centre, Co. Carlow, to provide a more reliable water supply, reduce high levels of leakage and improve water quality.
The works involve the replacement of over 2.4km of aged cast iron water mains with new modern pipes. The programme to replace the water mains in Bagenalstown will commence in late February. These works are being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme.
Works will commence on Kilcarrig Street and Market Square & progress to Long Range Road to allow for works to take place outside the National School during the Easter break.
Following the Easter break works will progress on the following streets, in the order below:
Regent Street, High Street, Main Street, Kilree Street, Chruch Road, Pump Street, Fairgreen West , Barrett Street, St Brigid's Crescent, Hotel Street & The Parade.
In some older estates water connections, typically made of iron or lead, were installed to the rear of the property, and are often referred to as backyard service connections. The pipework due to age and deteriorating condition are a significant source of leakage and reduced levels of service. Backyard services are usually shared, running through several neighbouring properties making it difficult to detect and repair leaks. Since all properties share a connection, leaks and bursts affect all properties usually resulting in low pressure.
The works along Fairgreen West Street and Barrett Street involve decommissioning 47 of these backyard service connections. These properties will be connected to the newly installed watermain in the public domain.
The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Shareridge Ltd and are expected to be completed by October 2024.
What are the benefits of the works?
The benefits of these leakage reduction works include:
- Reliable Water Supply - Replacement of problematic water mains and service connections will reduce the instances of bursts and interruptions to the water supply reducing disruption for homes and businesses in the area.
- Reduced Leaks - Replacement of problematic water mains and service connections will eliminate existing leaks and reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.
- Improved Water Quality - Removing existing old cast iron and lead from the public water network and replacing them with new pipes will reduce the risk of contamination.
- Improved Operation and Maintenance - These works will deliver efficiencies including cost savings by providing improved water network operation that will require less maintenance in the future.
Will customers be affected by the works?
Areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers. To deliver the new backyard service connections, a survey is required at each property within this community. The individual survey is undertaken to assess the current water connection arrangement for that property and discuss the best way to connect the new service to the customer's home.
Customers to benefit from these improvement works will be contacted directly by Shareridge Ltd to provide information about the required works and to discuss a suitable time to carry out an individual survey.
Traffic management will largely be in the form of a stop & go one lane system. Road closures in certain areas may be required as part of these works. The details around such will be communicated locally as the project progresses. Local and emergency traffic will always be maintained. Hours of work will be 8am - 6pm Monday - Friday and 8am - 1pm Saturday.
The works may involve some short-term interruptions to the water supply. The project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours-notice prior to any planned interruption.
We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient. Works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause.
More information
Residents and businesses in the areas to benefit from the planned improvements have been notified directly.
Details of any supply interruptions associated to this project will be updated regularly on the Water Supply Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website.
Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project.
