Plans have been unveiled to improve the water supply in Mountrath, Co Laois.

Ward & Burke Construction Ltd is carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann and Laois County Council. They involve the replacement of over 4.5km of aged water mains on the Ballyfin Road, North of Mountrath town with new, modern pipes.

The upgrade works, which are due to get underway next week, will provide improved water quality and supply for the local community while reducing the amount of treated drinking water lost into the ground due to frequent bursts and leaks.

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Programme Manager for Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme, Joe Carroll said: "Old and damaged water mains are a huge source of leakage and continue to impact communities right across Ireland, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing these old water mains in poor condition will improve water quality, eliminate existing leaks and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.

"I would like to thank the local community in advance for their patience and cooperation during the works. We know based on previous experiences that the short-term inconvenience will be overshadowed by the long-term benefits."

To minimise the impact on the local community, areas of work will be limited to short sections. Traffic management will be in place on Ballyfin Road from Monday, 13 March, in the form of a stop/go system. Works may involve some short-term supply disruptions, however, we will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours-notice and will make every effort to keep any necessary disruption to a minimum.