Uisce Éireann is continuing to improve the water supply in Kealkill, Bantry, aimed at reducing leakage and ensuring a more reliable water service for the local community.

The project, which began in June 2024, involves the replacement of nearly five kilometres of old, fragile watermains that are prone to frequent bursts. The first phase of the works, which focused on over 2 kilometres of watermains along the R585 Kealkill to Bantry Road, has already been completed in recent months.

Now, Uisce Éireann is moving forward with the second phase of the project, which will replace almost 2.5 kilometres of aging watermains along the R584, from Pearson's Bridge to Burke's Gala. The works are scheduled to begin in mid-November and are part of the company's ongoing efforts to enhance the security and efficiency of the local water supply.

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The upgrade is expected to reduce water loss due to leaks, improve the reliability of the system, and provide a more consistent supply for residents and businesses in the area.

Programme Manager for Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme, Jack Cronin, outlined the importance of the work being carried out and the benefits that will be felt by the community.

"The works are a critical step in conserving water, our most precious resource, and reducing high levels of leakage caused by old and damaged water mains that continue to impact communities right across Ireland, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing these old watermains that are in poor condition will significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground, increase the network capacity and allow for additional social and economic growth in the area ensuring Kealkill can continue to thrive. We would like to thank customers for their cooperation and patience while these works continue in the area."

To continue to deliver the important works safely and efficiently, traffic management will be in place in the form of traffic lights along the R584, where local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.

The works will be carried out by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are expected to be completed by February 2025. The works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.