AGED and damaged water mains along the main street of Clonlara are to be upgraded.
Works are to commence next week and are set to be completed by mid-September with an approximate 300m of damaged water mains to be improved. The has been prioritised as part of Uisce Éireann’s national Leakage Reduction Programme.
Ageing pipes can, over time, significantly impact water quality, leakage levels, and pressure. Replacing the pipes will greatly reduce the levels of leakage and bursts resulting in service interruptions affecting customers and local businesses.
Gerry O’Donnell of Uisce Éireann explained, “Securing Clare’s water supply remains a priority for Uisce Éireann and it is great to see this work commencing which will reduce the risk of outages from bursts now and into the future”.
He said the section of water mains were prioritised for investment and replacement due to their age and deteriorating condition which had resulted in supply interruptions to homes and businesses. “When completed, this project will improve water quality, significantly reduce leakage and provide local residents with a sustainable and more reliable water supply for generations to come”.
Shareridge Ltd will carry out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann, they are expected to be completed by mid-September. Areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers. Traffic management will be in place to allow the works to be delivered safely and efficiently. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said it was “very welcome work and will be of significant relief to a great many residents in Clonlara”. He added, “Clonlara village has grown quite over the past two decades – particularly with the development of the Church Fields housing estate and new social housing developments adjacent to Derryvinna but the water infrastructure hasn’t been upgraded to meet these new developments, and indeed developments that’ll hopefully happen into the future.
“Approximately 10 years ago, there was a major water upgrade from O’Connor’s Cross, Parteen to Decourcy’s Bridge, Clonlara. This was to deal with frequent outages experienced by people in Clonlara but the works now planned will help to further improve supply and deal with any outage problems people in the village have,” Crowe stated.
Deputy Crowe said he is engaging with Uisce Éireann to try get the old asbestos pipes between Larkin’s Cross, and O’Connor’s Cross in Parteen replaced. “Residents here have endured more than a dozen water outages in the past 12 months. Also, I’ve asked them to upgrade water pipes in the Kildoorus area of Clonlara and the nearby village of Bridgetown. Residents here have ongoing issues with water pressure and when there are outages in the locality it can often take them several days to have their own domestic supplies replenished”.
