Irish Water and Cavan County Council is set to replace almost 360 metres of problematic, old cast iron water mains in St. Phelim’s Place, Co Cavan to provide a more safe and secure water supply for customers in the area.

The works will also reduce the high level of leakage and bursts in the area and improve operational efficiencies. The cast iron mains are being replaced with new high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.

Outlining the benefits of these works Declan Cawley, Irish Water, explained: "These essential works will benefit customers in the area by replacing old cast iron water mains with new and improved plastic pipes, which will strengthen and reinforce the water network. The immediate knock on effect of this work will see an improvement to water quality in the area as well as minimising disruptions in the customers water supply by reducing leakage and unplanned outages when bursts occur.

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"Upon completion, there will be significant improvements in drinking water quality, network performance and levels of customer service in this area in terms of efficiency and security of supply."

The works are due to commence mid-June along the L-25401 Kilnavara Lane from Wolfe Tone Street junction and Kilnavara Heights junction via St Phelims Place. The works are due to be completed by the end of July. Farran’s Construction Ltd are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Irish Water. 

This project is one example of how Irish Water is working in partnership with Cavan County Council to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated with over 63,000km of water pipe in Ireland. Most leaks aren’t visible, resulting in precious water being lost but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2019 it was 42%, it had reduced further to 40% at the end of 2020 and we are currently on course to achieving a national leakage rate of 38% by the end of 2021.

Declan added: "To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, there will be some traffic management in place, however local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

"The works may involve some short-term water shut offs and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water shut offs. We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause.

"This mains replacement work is part of a significant investment by Irish Water to upgrade the water network in Cavan and we would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete this essential job."