UISCE ÉIREANN ARE unable to quantify the costs of works currently underway in Ennistymon.
Works began last Monday along the L-1050 in Sroohil, Ennistymon and involve the replacement of 550m of aged watermains prone to bursts as part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.
Uisce Éireann have promised that this will result in a more secure and reliable water supply in Ennistymon. The works are to be carried out by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd and are expected to be completed in April.
Following repeated queries from The Clare Echo to Uisce Éireann to ascertain the costs of these works, the State-owned utility company have been unable to provide a figure. “We are unable to provide a specific investment figure for this single construction project at this time, as it is part of a larger, ongoing national programme of work known as the Leakage Reduction Programme, which is a strategic and targeted approach to improve the national water network across the country, prioritising investment where it is needed most,” a spokesperson said.
According to Uisce Éireann, €74m has been invested in upgrading infrastructure in Clare between 2014-2024. “The replacement of old and damaged watermains in Ennistymon will improve security of supply and reduce leakage. Uisce Éireann’s water mains rehabilitation programme is continuing nationally as we invest a further €250 million every year up to the end of 2030 – fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply. Identifying and repairing these leaks will help Uisce Éireann to 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%”.
Traffic management in the form of traffic lights and a road closure are in effect while works are ongoing from Monday March 10th until April 4th on the L-1050 Sroohill, Ennistymon, with signposted diversion in place throughout the works. Local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.
Jack Cronin, Uisce Éireann Programme Manager stated, “This project is one example of Uisce Éireann’s commitment to Clare ensuring the county has resilient water and wastewater services in place which are the backbone of a thriving economy. The section of watermains in Ennisytmon was prioritised for investment and replacement due to its age and deteriorating condition.
“Replacing these old watermains that are in poor condition will ensure a more sustainable water supply, eliminate existing leaks and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground protecting our most precious resource. Fewer bursts and less leakage will also ensure a stronger water supply for homes and businesses in this busy community. We would like to thank the local community for their cooperation and patience while we carry out these essential works in the area,” he said.
Last year, 900 metres of aged cast iron water mains were replaced with new modern pipes along Circular Road, from Ennistymon Garda Station and continue onto Church Hill and Victoria Terrace. The improvement works also took place along the N85 (New Road), from Linnane’s Funeral Home to Alfie’s Café.
