Works to replace ageing cast iron watermains are set to commence in County Westmeath early next month.

Over 450 metres of watermains in Altown, Athlone, will be replaced by civil engineers Shareridge, on behalf of Uisce Éireann, with new services.

Meanwhile, works will also involve laying new water service connections from the new public water main and connecting it to the customers' water supply.

This will provide a more secure and reliable water supply for residents and will significantly reduce high levels of leakage on the network. Works are expected to be completed by April 2025.

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Commenting on the project, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann, Dave Murphy said: "The important of these works cannot be underestimated. Replacing these old, damaged pipes will significantly lower the instances of bursts and outages on the network, eliminate existing leaks and reduce the amount of clean water lost into the ground.

"The works will also improve the operation of the network reducing the need to manage frequent repairs of aging cast iron watermains resulting in a positive impact on leakage and the daily lives of the residents of Altown."

Areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers. Traffic management in the form of a stop/go and traffic lights system will be in place during these periods of work, but local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.