Uisce Éireann will begin works this week to reinforce the water network in Newtown Terrace, Thomastown, by replacing ageing backyard watermains to improve water quality and reduce high levels of leakage in the area.

The project will see more than 240 metres of ageing cast-iron watermains replaced along Lady Well and Maudlin Street, alongside the decommissioning of 381 metres of backyard service connections. The improvements form part of Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme, which focuses on upgrading ageing infrastructure, cutting water lost through leaks before it reaches customers' taps, and improving water quality.

In many older estates, water connections — often iron or lead — were installed to the rear of homes and are known as backyard service connections. With age and deterioration, these pipes can become a major source of leakage. Because these shared connections can run through neighbouring properties, leaks are difficult to detect and repair, and bursts can affect multiple households at once, causing issues such as low water pressure.

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Portfolio Manager for Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme, Dave Murphy, said: "These essential network upgrades are an important step in improving water quality and delivering a more reliable and resilient water supply for homes, businesses, and the wider community. By addressing leakage and replacing ageing pipes, we are helping to safeguard water services in Thomastown and support a reliable supply of clean drinking water for years to come."

The works will be delivered by Shareridge on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are expected to be completed later this year.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for providing secure, safe and sustainable water services to communities across Ireland. Through the National Leakage Reduction Programme, Uisce Éireann is working to reduce leakage by repairing pipes, upgrading watermains and strengthening network resilience.

Ireland has over 65,000 kilometres of public water pipes, many of which are ageing. Since 2014, leakage has been reduced from 49% to 36%, with continued investment aimed at protecting water supplies, supporting growth and ensuring a more resilient network for customers nationwide.