Uisce Éireann is moving forward with its national leakage reduction campaign in County Leitrim.

The utility is commencing work on two projects in Fenagh and Dromahair this week, bringing a more secure and improved water supply to both communities.

Crews will be on the ground in the coming days to replace over 1.5km of problematic water mains in Foxfield, Fenagh and a further 1.5km of ageing water mains Cleen, Dromahair with new modern pipes. These improvement works will provide a more reliable water supply for the local communities. 

The replacement of water mains and service connections will also eliminate existing leaks and reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.

Working in partnership with Leitrim County Council, Uisce Éireann is replacing over 3km of old, damaged pipes with new, modern pipework will greatly reduce the instances of bursts, outages, and low-pressure affecting customers in the area. These works will also deliver cost savings by providing improved water network operations that will require less maintenance into the future. 

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Declan Cawley, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead with Uisce Éireann, said: "We are delighted to announce this major investment for County Leitrim. Replacing these old and damaged pipes is a first step in tackling low water pressure, bursts, and leakage issues which have been affecting homes and businesses. The new pipes will not only reduce the number of water interruptions but will provide security of supply for generations of local people.

"On behalf of Uisce Éireann, I would like thank the local community in advance for their patience and cooperation as traffic management will be necessary as the project progresses, however, based on previous experiences, we know that the short-term inconvenience will be overshadowed by the long-term benefits."

In Fenagh, the section of works to replace over 1.5km of ageing water mains will take place along the R209, Foxfield Road and a road closure will be in place along the R209 until 03 March, 2023 for the safe delivery of works. Traffic will be diverted via the R209, R202/R208 and R210. As works proceed towards the centre of Fenagh village, it is expected works will be carried out under a lane closure with two-way temporary traffic lights in operation. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

In Dromahair, the section of works to replace almost 1.5km of problematic water mains with new modern pipes will take place along the R287 at Cleen with areas of work limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers. 

The works are being carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Farrans Construction and are expected to be complete in April 2023.