Essential upgrade works have started to improve the security of water supply in Knockdrin, Westmeath.

The works involve the replacement of approximately 1.3km of old and problematic water mains that are prone to leaks and bursts, causing supply disruptions for customers. The mains will be replaced with new, high density plastic pipes, using efficient, modern engineering technology. The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers' property boundaries and connecting it to the customer's water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead, these will be replaced as part of this improvement work. When completed, these improvement works will reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost to leakage, providing a safe, secure and more reliable water supply for home and businesses in the area.

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In order to reduce the impact of these works on customers, a specific method of construction is being used which will reduce build time and accelerate the works. To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, some traffic management is in place, however, local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. A number of necessary, short-term water outages are required and are scheduled to take place over the coming weeks. On Wednesday 19 May from 3pm until 12am midnight, customers in Knockdrin, Monilea, Crookedwood, Crazy Corner, Loughagar, Baronstown, Galmoylestown, Mornington, Killynnan, Clondrisse and surrounding areas may experience disruption to their water supply. It may take 2-3 hours following restoration time for the network to refill and normal water supply to fully return, however, please continue to follow the HSE guidance on handwashing. Irish Water and Westmeath County Council regret any inconvenience these improvement works may cause and will continue to actively communicate details prior to any planned shut-off's.

Matthew Thomson, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead with Irish Water, sai: "Replacing these old, damaged pipes will reduce the instances of bursts and water outages for the community of Knockdrin and provide a more secure and reliable water supply for home and businesses. We do understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and will ensure our work crews make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works may cause. We would like to thank the local community, businesses, homeowners and commuters for their patience and cooperation while we deliver this vital water network improvement project to safeguard the water supply in Knockdrin."