A major programme of water mains improvement works is progressing across Dublin city in an attempt to drive down leakage.

Work is due to get underway in Sandymount in the coming days, bringing its underground water network into the 21st century.

These works are being delivered as part of Irish Water's national Leakage Reduction Programme.

The project involves the replacement of approximately 400m of old cast-iron water mains on Gilford Road with new modern pipes as well as the construction of 570m of new water mains that will significantly improve water quality and reduce the instances of bursts, outages and low-pressure affecting customers. The works will take place from the junction of Gilford Road and Sandymount Avenue to the junction of Gilford Road and Strand Road. To reduce the impact on the local community the works have been scheduled primarily during school holidays.

Highlighting the importance of the project for Sandymount, Matt Thomson, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead with Irish Water, said: "We are delighted to announce this major investment in such a beautiful part of Dublin which we are ready to deliver. Replacing these pipes is a first step in tackling water pressure, supply and leakage issues which affect homes and businesses. The works will not only reduce the amount of drinking water lost to leakage, it will also significantly improve water quality for the local community as well as delivering a much more reliable supply for generations to come.

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"On behalf of Irish Water, I'd like thank the local community in advance for their patience and cooperation as road closures will be necessary as part of this project, however, based on previous experiences, we know that the short-term inconvenience will be overshadowed by the long-term benefits."

To ensure the health and safety of crews and the public, a phased road closure will be required until the project is completed in mid-August. To minimise the impact on school access until the summer holidays, works will begin at the Sandymount Avenue end of Gilford Road to the junction with Park Avenue and will remain closed from 23 May to 01 July. The suggested diversion for southbound traffic is via Sandymount Avenue to Merrion Road, continuing on Merrion Road to Aylesbury Road/Sydney Parade Avenue and onto Strand Road. Alternatively, Strand Road can be accessed via Sandymount Square and Newgrove Avenue.

Phase 2 is scheduled from 01 July to 12 August and will include a road closure on Gilford Road from the junction with Park Avenue to the junction of Gilford Road/Strand Road. The suggested diversion for southbound traffic is via Park Avenue to Sydney Parade Avenue and on to Strand Road. Alternatively, Strand Road can be accessed via Sandymount Green and Newgrove Avenue.

Dublin bus services which utilise Gilford Road will be rerouted via Sandymount Square, Newgrove Avenue, Strand Road and will return on this route via St. Johns Court.

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 customer's water supply. The works may involve some short-term supply interruptions which we understand may cause inconvenience, however, the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours' notice prior to any planned water interruptions. The project will be carried out on behalf of Irish Water by GMC Utilities Group and is expected to be completed in August 2022.