Uisce Éireann is beginning a project to replace ageing and damaged water mains in the Balcarrick area of Donabate. Starting the week of 23 March, crews will install approximately 1.3km of modern piping along New Road, spanning from the R126 junction to the Corballis roundabout.

The current infrastructure in this section of New Road is prone to frequent bursts and leaks, causing regular interruptions to the local water supply and the loss of treated drinking water. These works, which are being carried out by GMC Utilities Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann, also involve the installation of new water service connections from the public main to individual property boundaries.

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Declan Healy of Uisce Éireann welcomed the commencement of the project: "The works in New Road, Donabate are part of our national drive to reduce leakage and build a stronger, more resilient water network. By upgrading ageing infrastructure, we are working to ensure communities have a dependable water service that supports them to thrive."

Healy added: "Fixing leaks is complex, especially across an older and fragile network estimated at 75 to 95 years old, but these improvements will deliver long-term term benefits for the local community - reducing bursts, strengthening supply, and cutting the amount of treated water lost before it reaches the tap."

The utility provider has confirmed that a traffic management system will be operational for the duration of the project to ensure the safety of the public and site workers. However, access for local residents and emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

The project is scheduled for completion in early summer. Nationally, Uisce Éireann manages over 65,000 km of underground pipes and has successfully reduced national leakage levels from 49% in 2014 to a current low of 36%.