Irish Water has confirmed it is to carry out a €325,000 rehabilitation project on water mains in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon.

The project will involve the replacement of approximately 800m of asbestos cement water main with polyethylene pipe located along the L1244.

Working in partnership with Roscommon County Council, the project is scheduled to commence in September 2017 with an estimated completion date in January 2018.

The project will be carried out in two phases. Phase one will involve investigation works followed by a detailed design of the necessary mains replacement works.

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Phase two will involve the decommissioning and replacement of approximately 800m of 300mm asbestos cement water main.

Fine Gael Senator Maura Hopkins welcomed the announcement.

She said: "I was informed by Irish Water that there had been 14 recorded water bursts on the 12" trunk main between Ballaghaderreen and Tibohine in the last two years over a length of 5.5km. The worst 800m length of this water main (close to Ballaghaderreen Town from Towey's Filling Station out to the Speed Limit Sign) has been approved for replacement. This has caused severe disruption for residents and businesses.

"The project will involve the replacement of 800m of asbestos cement piping through the town centre for the benefit of 1,000 customers. It will be carried out in two phases, phase one will involve investigation and design. Phase two will involve the installation of a new section of polyethylene pipe and the transfer of connections to this supply.

"These works will provide a long term solution to the issues that residents and business community in Ballaghaderreen have experienced in recent years."