A programme of water mains improvements has been confirmed for the County Cork town of Schull.

This project will see the ageing mains replaced from Schull's Main Street to the junction of Colla Road and Barry's Road with work beginning this week.

Led by Irish Water and Cork County Council, this work involves replacing almost 800m of old watermains on Colla Road but crews will down tools at the end of July to accommodate the Calves Week Regatta.

The new pipes will not only promise the area a more reliable water supply with fewer bursts and outages, but they will reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.

A stop-go traffic management system will be in place until Friday, 29 July but, in order to ensure locals enjoy the regatta without any traffic disruptions, works will come to a halt that evening and not recommence until Monday morning, 08 August.

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Irish Water's Regional Lead Steven Blennerhassett said: "Working with Cork County Council, we have prioritised leakage reduction in the areas that need it most. This project in Schull will ensure that locals are not inconvenienced by regular bursts and the works will safeguard the area's water supply for the future.

"We're also cognisant of the importance of the regatta to the area and we have arranged with Ward and Burke Limited, the contractor carrying out the works on our behalf, to ensure there's a break in works to coincide with the event."

When the essential work recommences a road closure will be necessary until Friday, 26 August. South bound traffic is recommended to proceed west to Corthna and take Barry's Road to Colla Road/Barry's Road Junction. Access for local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

The essential works may require some short-term water interruptions, but the project team will ensure customers are given a minimum of 48 hours' notice prior to any unplanned interruptions.

Work crews will make every effort to minimise any disruptions.