Plans to replace a century-old pipeline along Sandymount Strand in Dublin city are continuing to make significant progress.

Over 3km of the dated pipeline will be replaced, improving water supply for 80,000 customers across Sandymount and East Dublin City.

Work has reached a major milestone with 90% of pipes now replaced, allowing traffic restrictions at Merrion Gates to be lifted, and Strand Road to be reopened in both directions. The remaining works will be carried out from Beach Road to Ringsend Park to replace the section of existing pipeline at this location and the overall works are expected to be completed in summer.

Led by Uisce Éireann in partnership with Dublin City Council, the project utilises modern engineering techniques to significantly reduce construction times and minimise disruption.

Declan Healy of Uisce Éireann, said: "This pipeline was constructed almost 100 years ago and was in very poor condition. Over the past decade, the instances of pipe bursts and leakages had increased due to its fragile and deteriorating condition, causing major operational challenges. This major investment through the national Leakage Reduction Programme will alleviate these issues and bring this critical part of the Dublin water network into the 21st Century. Working in collaboration with our delivery partners we have reached a significant milestone in futureproofing a more reliable water supply for homes and businesses in Sandymount and East Dublin City.

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"We are acutely aware that upgrades to critical infrastructure can be disruptive to the local community and especially road users. On behalf of Uisce Éireann, I would like to thank the local community, media, and elected representatives for their patience and ongoing support while we continue to deliver water services for Ireland for the benefit of current and future generations."

Richard Mills, Senior Engineer at Dublin City Council, added: "Uisce Éireann and Dublin City Council remain committed to successfully delivering these works and improving the water supply for communities across East Dublin. This is a complex project that involves working around a myriad of underground services such as gas, telecoms and electrical networks. Isolating a trunk main for upgrading presents a significant challenge in maintaining supply to the city. To that end, over the last few years, Dublin City Council and Uisce Éireann have undertaken major upgrades at strategic trunk main control points. These upgrades improve our ability to divert water around the mains in question to facilitate the network enhancements.

"To date the detailed planning and preparations that we have carried out have enabled our experienced water services personnel to maintain normal water supplies to all homes and businesses."

The works are being delivered by GMC Utilities Group Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann.