Uisce Éireann begins largest-ever repair operation to safeguard water supplies for 1.7 million people

 Uisce Éireann’s largest and most complex planned repair operation will get underway later today as specialist crews begin work on a section of the 26km Ballymore Eustace to Saggart trunk watermain. 

Customers across Dublin, Kildare and parts of Wicklow are expected to experience little or no interruption to their water supply during the works, following months of detailed planning to protect supplies and avoid disruption wherever possible.

The start of works marks a major milestone in safeguarding a pipeline that stretches from the Ballymore Eustace Water Treatment Plant in Co Kildare to the treated water reservoir in Saggart, supplying water to 1.7 million people every day. Later today, sections of this vital pipeline will be exposed as specialist crews begin one of the most significant repair operations ever undertaken by Uisce Éireann.

Almost 300 personnel will work through the August Bank Holiday weekend, with just 27 hours available to complete these complex repairs before the watermain is returned to service. The programme includes repairing 15 leaks and replacing one damaged section of pipe, helping to strengthen the network and reduce the risk of future unplanned bursts.

Nicola Butler, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, said:
“This work has been planned in detail to help protect supplies and avoid disruption for the homes, schools, hospitals, businesses and essential services that depend on this water every day.

Most people never see the scale of infrastructure and expertise working behind the scenes to keep water flowing to communities across the region. These repairs will help strengthen this vital watermain and reduce the risk of bursts in the future that would be impactful to many communities.”

Uisce Éireann will continue to provide updates throughout the weekend as the operation progresses. Customers can stay informed by visiting the project page on the Uisce Éireann website.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours. To register as a vulnerable customer, or as an alternative contact, visit water.ie.

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Customers can also contact the company on Twitter account @IWCare with any queries. Further updates are available on the Uisce Éireann website.

Uisce Éireann customers can also sign up to the free text alerts service with their Eircode and mobile number to receive real-time updates about local water supply issues.