The water supply in Bantry, County Cork, is set for improvement as works to replace damaged pipes get underway.

Over five kilometres of problematic aging cast iron water mains in Bantry town, Derryginah and the Rope Walk areas will be replaced in the project which is an Irish Water and Cork County Council partnership.

The scheme, to be carried out by Coffey Northumbrian Ltd., will commence next week as part of Irish Water's national Leakage Reduction programme.

New water mains will be constructed along the public road. The old, damaged pipes will be replaced with modern, high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes. The works also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers' property boundaries and connecting it to the customers' water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead, these will be replaced.

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The scheme, replacing 395 metres of water mains, is due to commence on Main Street on Monday 04 March. The mains renewal works will be carried out in sequential order- Main Street, followed by Barrack Street, and then Market Street - to minimise any disruption to businesses and residents in the areas. Works in Bantry town are expected to be completed by early May.

The Leakage Reduction Programme will continue in the area with a critical 2.4 kilometres of mains renewal in Derryginagh. This pipework links the main reservoir to Bantry town.

Two kilometres of mains will also be replaced in Rope Walk and a further 480 meters of water mains are due to be laid on the N71 near the Barrack Street junction. These works are currently in the design and planning phases and a schedule of works will be available in due course.

Steven Blennerhassett, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead, said: "As they get older, some pipes have a high level of leakage as well as being subject to frequent bursts. Replacing the old, damaged pipes will ensure a more reliable water supply for the Bantry area. The new water mains and service connections will reduce the instances of bursts and water outages. These improvements to the water network are essential in providing a safe, secure and reliable water supply, now and into the future."

The project may cause some short-term water shut offs. Customers will be given 48 hours notice prior to any planned water shut offs.

Traffic management may be in place where water mains are being constructed, but local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

Customers can contact Irish Water on 1850 278 278 if they have any further questions.

(JG/MH)