Coffey Northumbrian has begun work to replace problematic water mains in Tralee, Co Kerry.

The project involves decommissioning almost 3km of mains in the Kevin Barry Villas, Mitchel's Road, Garryruth, Hawley Park, O'Rahilly's Villas, Strand Street and Castle Street areas. They will be replaced with modern plastic pipes.

It is being delivered on behalf of Irish Water, working in partnership with Kerry County Council.

The scheme will help reduce the high level of water leakage in Tralee under Irish Water's Leakage Reduction Programme.

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In 2019 a further 2.3km of the cast iron water mains will be replaced in the James Street, Canal New Road, Upper Castle Street, Walpole's Lane, Boherbee, Lower Basin View, Rae Street, Caherina Cottages and Caher Anne Road areas.

Steven Blennerhassett, Leakage Reduction Programme, Irish Water, said: "Much of the water mains network in Tralee dates back to the 1800s. As they get older, cast iron pipes can become severely corroded and have a high level of leakage as well as being subject to frequent bursts, which in turn leads to water discoloration. At present, it is estimated that some two-thirds of the water supplied to Tralee is lost to leaks in the network. By addressing this leakage, Irish Water is aiming to save more than three million litres of water every day in the town.

"We would like to thank local residents and businesses for their ongoing cooperation as we work together to deliver these improvements for Tralee; and Kerry County Council for their continuing efforts in delivering this challenging programme of works."

(CM/MH)