SERVICES
Spring brings new beginnings and an improved water supply for Newbliss
Friday, 29 April 2022
The evenings are getting longer, the days are getting warmer and Newbliss can also look forward to an improved water supply this summer.
Old water mains along the Ballybay Road will be replaced in the coming weeks and the works will not only ensure a more reliable water supply but reduce high leakage levels and improve water quality.
Irish Water, working in partnership with Monaghan County Council, will replace 2.4km of ageing mains on the R183 with new modern pipework.
Irish Water’s National Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead, Declan Cawley is looking forward to seeing Farrans Construction, the contractor carrying out the work on behalf of Irish Water, get to site.
“When the works are completed in August there will be an immediate positive impact for customers with an improvement in the water quality and supply due to reduced leakage rates and unplanned outages when bursts occur. Following extensive engagement with Monaghan County Council Roads Department these network rehabilitation works will be completed in advance of Monaghan County Council carrying out road overlay works on the R183 in Autumn 2022.
“Irish Water invested in the replacement of ageing mains in Monaghan over the last number of years and we’re investing further this year. Securing water supply in Co Monaghan remains a vital focus for Irish Water and these essential works will help strengthen and reinforce the water network”.
Since 2018 Irish Water has invested more than €500million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the Leakage Reduction Programme. We’re now investing a further €250million each year up to the end of 2030 to fix leaks and provide a more reliable water supply.
In order to minimise the impact to the people of Newbliss, areas of work will be limited to short sections and local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. To facilitate the safe delivery of works, traffic management will be in place, with a lane closure along the Ballybay Road. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.
The works may involve some short-term supply interruptions, but the project team will ensure customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.
“We understand this type of work can be inconvenient. Crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause. The mains rehabilitation works on the Clones Road section in Newbliss are also progressing well and due for completion by the end of May” explains Declan.
Fixing leaks can be complicated but we are making great progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2021 it was 38% and now we are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 32% by the end of 2024.
Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.
