A programme of works has been announced to drive down leakage in the County Cork town of Cobh.

Irish Water and Cork County Council are progressing plans to replace ageing water mains and provide new service connections for customers in Whitepoint Drive.

Work will get underway next week and will involve the replacement of water connections, typically made of iron or lead, that were installed in the front or back gardens of some older housing estates. Due to the age and deterioration of the pipework, it can be a significant source of leakage and cause a reduced level of service.

These networks are usually shared, running through a number of neighbouring properties making it difficult to detect and repair leaks. Since all properties share a connection, leaks and bursts affect all properties usually resulting in low pressure.

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The works in Whitepoint Drive, being carried out as part of the Leakage Reduction Programme, involves the decommissioning of ageing water mains and the delivery of approximately 625 meters of new water mains constructed along the public road. 

Steven Blennerhassett from Irish Water said: "Replacing these old and very problematic pipes in Whitepoint Drive will reduce the drinking water lost by leakage and will bring an all-round improvement to water quality for the local community. 

"In partnership with Ward & Burke and Cork County Council, we will be engaging with the residents and carry out a survey to establish the current status of each home's water supply. 

"We aim to complete the works with as little disruption as possible. However, the works may involve some short-term water outages and our project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48-hours' notice before any planned water outages. Where watermains are being constructed, traffic management will be in place. Parking spaces may be temporarily closed in order to complete works. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times."