Two important projects have been announced in County Kerry as part of Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme.

The national utility is working with Kerry County Council to replace over 2.5km of problematic water mains with new modern pipes along the N72 in Ballaugh outside Killarney and along Cockleshell Road near Tralee.

Work has already begun on the Cockleshell Road project, and the Ballaugh project is set to begin next week. They will provide a more reliable water supply and reduce the amount of treated drinking water lost to leakage.

Portfolio Manager for Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme, Paul Moroney said: "Old and damaged water mains are a huge source of leakage and continue to impact communities right across Ireland. The National Leakage Reduction Programme helps provide a more reliable water supply to Irish communities by reducing high levels of leakage and improving water quality. We are delighted to be progressing with these works in Co. Kerry where we recently completed two other projects and replaced almost 1.4km of watermains on Pembroke Street and Clash Road, Tralee.

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"The 2km of new watermains in Ballaugh, and 600m of watermains on Cockleshell Road will eliminate existing leaks and will reduce the number of bursts and water outages providing a more reliable supply of water to customers and local businesses. I would like to thank the local community in advance for their patience and co-operation during the works. We know based on previous experience that the short-term inconvenience will be outweighed by the long-term benefits."

To deliver the works safely and efficiently, a stop-go system will be required along the N72 between Ardaneanig Cross and Ballaugh Cross. A road closure is required along Cockleshell Road and diversion routes will be sign-posted on approach. Local and emergency access will always be maintained. The works may involve some short-term water interruptions. The project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours' notice prior to any planned water interruptions. Both projects are being carried out by Kerry County Council, on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

Works on Cockleshell Road and are due to be completed by late June 2023, while works along the N72 are due to be completed by early July 2023.