IRISH Water has started work in Skerries to safeguard the water supply for the local community.
The company, working in partnership with Fingal County Council, is commencing work to upsize the water mains along the Rush Road.
The programme to replace problematic water mains along the road (R128) will involve the upsizing of almost three kilometres of aged problematic water mains with high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.
These works are being carried out as part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme and will be completed in two phases.
Phase 1 will take place along the Rush Road (R128) from Shenick Road towards Thomastown and involve laying two kilometres of new water main. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead these will be replaced as part of this improvement work.
The works will be carried out on behalf of Irish Water by GMC Utilities Group Ltd. and are expected to be completed by year end.
Phase 2 includes one kilometre of water main replacement on Miller's Lane, Dublin Road, Newtown Parks and Guillemot. This section of work is currently at detailed design stage and planned for construction in 2020 further information will be provided nearer the scheduled construction commencement.
Irish Water said the construction of the new watermains in Skerries will ensure a more secure and sustainable water supply for the community.
It said benefits will be felt immediately following the completion of the new watermain. By increasing the diameter of the existing water main they will increase the minimum pressure for those worst affected by low water pressure during peak times.
Irish Water has planned the works in short sections in order to limit impact on customers. Works may involve some short-term water shut offs and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water shut offs.
Traffic management will be in place over the course of the works. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.
Matt Thompson, Regional Lead on the Leakage Reduction Programme, said: “The replacement of these ageing water mains in Skerries will safeguard the water supply for local residents and businesses. “Replacing the existing water mains with new modern pipes will provide a long-term solution to ensure a safe and secure water supply is delivered to customers.”
Irish Water said it understands this type of work can be inconvenient and will “ensure our work crews make every effort to minimise any disruption these works may cause”.
Residents and businesses in the areas of the works have been notified and customers can call the Irish Water customer helpline on 1850 278 278 for any questions in relation to the works.