Work is underway in Cork City to replace ageing water mains.

The project will involve replacing over 3.5 kilometres of cast iron mains on MacCurtain Street with new plastic pipes.

Further work will also take place in adjoining streets, with the entire project scheduled for completion in September 2019.

Coffey Northumbrian will deliver the work on behalf of Irish Water and Cork City Council.

When complete, it will improve the security of water supply ahead of the next phase of urban renewal works under the Cork City Centre Movement Strategy.

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Steven Blennerhassett, Leakage Reduction Programme, said: "Most of the water mains network in this bustling part of Cork City is extremely dated. 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. At present, it is estimated that almost half the treated drinking water in Ireland is lost to leaks in the network."

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

(CM/MH)