A large-scale programme to remove older backyard services and install modern, robust water mains is advancing throughout the town.

As part of Uisce Éireann's national Leakage Reduction Programme, more than 1,200 homes in Drogheda are expected to benefit by year-end, alongside the installation of 5.6 kilometres of new water mains.

In many long-established neighbourhoods, properties were historically linked by shared, rear-lot connections—often iron or lead—that are now prone to leaks, bursts and low pressure. Because they run behind homes and across multiple gardens, these lines are difficult to access and cannot be isolated for a single property. Replacing them with individual connections at the front of each house and rerouting to the public road and footpaths improves reliability and safety for every customer.

Recent activity has focused on Lagavoreen, Moneymore and Yellowbatter, where teams are moving services to the public side and providing modern, individual connections for each property. Crews are working house to house to minimise disruption, delivering essential improvements that may be out of sight but have a tangible impact on daily life.

"You won't see backyard services works on main roads or in large construction sites", said Uisce Éireann's Declan Healy. "Unless you're living in the area or housing estate where the works are, you might not be aware they are happening. They are quiet but hugely impactful upgrades in customers back gardens, and the impact is far-reaching - providing improved water quality, supply reliability and reduced leakage for thousands of people across the town.

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"These projects reflect Uisce Éireann's vision to provide safe, sustainable water services that support thriving communities" continues Declan "Without the support of local communities getting behind these projects the investment would be meaningless. We would like to thank each and every homeowner who has engaged with us over the past number of years to reap this success and look forward to continuing to work on replacing back yard services into the future to provide a more sustainable water supply across Drogheda."

Work in Moneymore is nearing completion, with 2.1 kilometres of new mains laid under public roads and footpaths to replace 266 shared backyard connections. In Lagavoreen, more dependable supplies are already being felt after more than 170 backyard services were replaced with 1.4 kilometres of new main in Mount Saint Oliver, Marian Park, Priests Lane and Congress Avenue.

North of the Boyne, crews began at the end of last year to replace 400 backyard services by connecting homes to a 2.15 kilometre public-side pipe serving Ascal, Bredin Street, Sandyford Terrace, Crushrod and surrounding parts of Yellowbatter. Momentum is continuing in Lagavoreen, where phased works have started in Sunnyside Cottages, St Mary's Villas, Carmelite Cottages and Clintons Lane. There, 84 homes will be linked to a new 540 metre pipe to provide a sturdier supply.

"For customers benefiting from backyard service replacement, it does mean a reliable water pressure, fewer interruptions and a system that is far easier to maintain. For the wider community, it represents ongoing progress in safeguarding Drogheda's water supply for the future."

With new mains being commissioned and older pipes decommissioned, road reinstatement is underway. Uisce Éireann has thanked residents for their patience as works progress.

Nationally, Uisce Éireann has invested €2 billion in the underground network through the Leakage Reduction Programme, with more than €1 billion further investment planned by the end of 2029. Leakage levels are now at their lowest on record, with water loss reduced from 49% in 2014 to 36% across the country.