Plans are progressing for key water infrastructure upgrades in Ennis ahead of an exciting public realm enhancement project.

Irish Water will move forward with the replacement of ageing water mains at High Street, Bank Place, O'Connell Square and O'Connell Street, to provide a more reliable water supply, reduce high levels of leakage and improve water quality.

The works, being carried out as part of Irish Water's National Leakage Reduction Programme, involve the replacement of over 680m of aged cast iron watermains with new modern pipes and is a continuation of the works successfully completed on Parnell Street in 2019. The programme to replace the watermains is due to commence in mid-May.  

The upgrade of the water network, being carried out by Shareridge Ltd. on behalf of Irish Water, is being completed ahead of the Clare County Council public realm regeneration works in the area. The section of works will take place from High Street through O'Connell Square/Bank Place to Station Road until mid-August. 

Gerry O'Donnell, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead with Irish Water, said: "The benefits from this project will be significant, by improving water quality, reducing leakage and overall providing a more reliable water supply in the town centre. The works will also support the progress of the Public Realm Enhancement Project being carried out by Clare County Council. 

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"We are aware that works of this nature can cause some disruption. We would like to assure the public that, together with Clare County Council and our contractor, Shareridge Ltd., we will be closely liaising and engaging with local businesses and residents to minimise any inconvenience over the course of the works.

"Local businesses in the area are being contacted and briefed on the planned works. Throughout the project, deliveries will be facilitated through a dedicated liaison officer for the project. 

"We are happy to be delivering these water network improvement works ahead of the planned public realm works and making a positive contribution to the development of Ennis both socially and economically."

Cllr Ann Norton, Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, commented: "I am pleased to welcome the commencement of the water infrastructure upgrades ahead of work getting underway on the next phase of the Ennis Public Realm Regeneration. These water network upgrades will help to provide a more reliable supply, reduce leakage and improve water quality in our town.

"The next phase of the regeneration of the Ennis Public Realm follows the successful completion of the first phase of works at Parnell Street, laneways, and bow-ways, in 2020 and 2021. The Ennis Public Realm Regeneration will significantly enhance the town for the benefit of traders, visitors and the local community and will result in the rejuvenation of the town centre environment, making it a more attractive destination in which to spend time."

Senior Engineer with Clare County Council, Sean Lenihan, added: "We are delighted to be working with Irish Water and other stakeholders on these critical advance works which will future proof utility service demands in the area. All parties have put in extensive effort to streamline and coordinate the works to ensure inconvenience and disruption to traders and the general public is kept to an absolute minimum. Unfortunately, given the nature of the engineering and civil works required, there will be some disturbance. This is regrettable but unavoidable.   

"Following these works, a Clare County Council appointed Contractor will commence on the Public Realm works which will also be carried out on a phased section by section basis. We will be engaging further with the Business Community and other interested stakeholders in advance of same, again with a view to minimising and mitigating inconvenience and disturbance."