Uisce Éireann has met with representatives from Meath County Council to discuss supply issues in the south of the county and the strategic and overarching projects that are being undertaken to resolve them.

Representing an investment of over €60 million, the projects will provide a safe and reliable water supply when completed. The projects will also enable further social and economic development in areas that have already seen significant growth in recent years.

Due to an ageing water network, old infrastructure and lack of treated water reservoirs, customers, particularly in Ratoath, Ashbourne and surrounding areas experience supply disruptions following major bursts, unplanned outages and high demand.

The recent severe weather worsened these problems, resulting in more bursts and increased demand. Bursts in these high-pressure water mains quickly deplete reservoir levels, making it challenging to maintain production to meet demand.

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During the meeting, senior Uisce Éireann water engineers outlined the progress already made on the new reservoir at Windmill Hill and the replacement of over 7 kilometres of aging pipeline which will be fully operational in the coming months.

Attending the meeting in-persona and online were local TDs and councillors from across County Meath including Cathaoirleach of Meath, Councillor Tommy Reilly, and water services staff from Uisce Éireann and Meath County Council.

Uisce Éireann’s Water Operations Lead for Meath, Michael Cunniffe, said: "We recognise the inconvenience that these unplanned outages are having on the local community and are making every effort to address the challenges in Meath in the short, medium and long term through operational interventions and capital upgrades.”

"Our priority at all times is the provision of a safe and secure drinking water supply to our customers right across Meath and we are committed to working together with our elected representatives for the benefit of our customers."

Cathaoirleach of Meath, Councillor Tommy Reilly, said: "The importance of providing a secure water supply for towns across Meath cannot be underestimated. I welcome the hugely important delivery of these key projects for the county and the continued investment in water services by Uisce Eireann, in particular the recent investment of €17 million to replace the main water supply pipeline into Navan Town Centre from Proudstown Reservoir and the major infrastructure upgrade of Navan’s Water Treatment Plant at Liscarton. The disruptions we have experienced are well documented and I welcome the opportunity for the Elected Members to outline our concerns to Uisce Eireann."

Uisce Éireann said that it will continue to closely monitor the supply in Ashbourne, Ratoath, Kilbride and surrounding areas until the new reservoir and pipework is operational.