Coffey Northumbrian is to begin work to replace 220 lead service pipe connections in the public water network of Dungarvan, Co Waterford, next week, 14 May.

The work will initially take place in O'Connell Street, where 125 lead services are scheduled for replacement, before progressing to other parts of the town. 

Lead pipes will be removed between the public water mains and the boundary of customers' properties.

Any lead service pipes found on the public side will be replaced with modern plastic pipes.

This project is part of Irish Water's national Leakage Reduction Programme which will see €500 million invested nationally over the next four years to reduce leakage and remove problematic pipes from the public water network.

These works will ensure there is a clean, safe and reliable water supply to support the growing population and economy.

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"We are very pleased to be starting this essential project in Dungarvan which will deliver a much better-quality, water supply for residents, businesses and visitors to the town," said Mark O'Duffy, Water Networks Regional Lead. 

"Irish Water is responsible for the pipe from the outer edge of the boundary of a property and we will be replacing any lead pipes of this type in the network. The property owner is responsible for the pipe from the outer edge of the property boundary to the building and all the internal plumbing. There are other types of connections for example, where the connection is shared or comes through the back garden but these are not common. Where public side lead pipework is replaced as part of this project, the customer will be notified that it is likely that there is lead pipework present within their property. The notice will include tips on identifying lead pipework as well as information on a private side lead pipework replacement grant available from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

"We will be working with our contractors to ensure that any disruption as a result of this work is kept to a minimum. Areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers. The works may involve some short-term water shut offs. 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 for the duration of the works. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times." 

The works are expected to take approximately 12 weeks to complete.

(CM)