Work is moving forward on a essential water improvement project in Dublin city.

The major Uisce Éireann scheme will ensure a safer, more reliable water supply for 80,000 customers across Sandymount and East Dublin City.

The project which involves the replacement of over 3km of a 100-year-old pipeline along Beach Road and Strand Road in Sandymount is progressing very well with over 2.7km of new water mains already installed. The trunk main was prioritised for investment and replacement by Uisce Éireann due to its age and deteriorating condition, resulting in low pressure and supply interruptions to homes and businesses. When completed, this critical project will significantly reduce leakage and provide local residents with a sustainable and more reliable water supply for generations to come.

As part of the next phase of works, a full road closure at Merrion Gates is required to safely replace a complex section of the existing pipeline under the rail crossing. Following input from consultees, including Irish Rail, the road closure has been granted by Dublin City Council in conjunction with An Garda Síochana and will be in place 24/7 for two weeks from 12am on Friday 31 March until 12am on Sunday 16 April 2023. Diversions will be in place and communicated locally with local and emergency services access maintained at all times.

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"Over the last decade, there has been numerous instances of this pipe bursting and leaking due to its fragile and deteriorating condition, causing major operational challenges to maintain the water supply to thousands of customers while we carried out repairs," said Declan Healy of Irish Water.  

"Working closely with our delivery partners to minimise disruption to the local community, we are making huge progress and have already replaced over 2.7km of new water mains while maintaining a continued supply to homes and businesses. This is due to the dedication and commitment of the crews on the ground, working in all sorts of weather, working to complete each phase of the project as quickly as possible and minimise disruption to road users.

"On behalf of Uisce Éireann, I would like to thank the local community, media and elected representatives for continuing to support us and work with us in the delivery of this new pipeline. We know that the short-term inconvenience will be overshadowed by the long-term benefits that this new pipeline will bring."

The works are being carried out by GMC Utilities Ltd. and are expected to be completed by early Summer 2023.