Work has commenced to replace over 320 metres of problematic water mains on Church Street in Listowel, Kerry.

The works follow the completion of 850 metres of water mains replaced on Main Street and Bridge road in late 2020 and significant network improvements including valve replacements in the town.

The old, problematic pipes are being decommissioned and replaced and work will commence in mid-May and is expected to be completed in 6 weeks. The works will take place on Church Street from the junction with Library Road to the junction of Church Street and Courthouse Road.

The works will 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 as part of this improvement work.

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This portion of mains replacement in Listowel is part of Irish Water's national Leakage Reduction Programme, which will see €500m invested nationally to tackle problematic pipes and leakage in Ireland’s ageing water network.

"As they get older, some pipes have a high level of leakage, as well as being subject to frequent bursts," said Steven Blennerhassett, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead, Irish Water.

"Replacing the old, damaged pipes will ensure better water quality and a more reliable water supply. 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. Since its establishment, Irish Water has replaced 218kms of water mains in Kerry, leading to a much more secure and reliable water supply in the county."