3.5km Of Old Water Mains To Be Replaced In Westmeath

Thursday, 29 June 2023 11:57

The project is expected to be competed by August, this year.

3.5km of old and damaged water mains are set to be replaced in Westmeath.

The national Leakage Reduction Programme has now made its way to Dysart Village, Mullingar.

Working in partnership with Westmeath County Council, Uisce Éireann, the upgraded water supply will help provide a more secure water supply for Westmeath communities, such as those in Ballinea, Castletown-Geoghan, Ballinagore, Kilbeggan, and Horseleap.

These communities will also benefit from a more reliable water supply following the completion of watermain renewal works in Ballinea (2km) and Spilt Hill to Coola Bridge, Killbeggan (2.5km).

The works which are now underway will strengthen and reinforce the water network, reducing leaks, and will also deliver cost savings by providing operational efficiencies that will require less maintenance into the future.

Highlighting the importance of these upgrades, Matt Thomson, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann said:

“We are delighted to announce another major investment for Westmeath. Replacing these old and damaged pipes represents a significant step in tackling bursts, low water pressure, and leakage issues which have been affecting homes and businesses.

“The water flows to these communities from the Portloman Water Treatment Plant, supplied by Lough Owel, and travels a long distance of up to 26km to reach Kilbeggan, through aged and problematic pipes that are prone to bursts. These pipes are now being replaced with state-of-the art watermains, improving the water network and reducing the number of bursts and interruptions to supply for the community.”

Matt added,

“On behalf of Uisce Éireann, I’d like to thank the local community in advance for their patience and cooperation as traffic management will be necessary as the project progresses. However, based on previous experiences, we know that the short-term inconvenience will be overshadowed by the long-term benefits.”

Customers will be given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.

To minimise the impact on the local community, works will be delivered on a phased basis with areas of work limited to short sections.

This section of works will take place along the R391 adjacent to the church, and temporary traffic lights will be in place along the R391 for the duration of the works.

The works will continue along the R391 in the direction of Mullingar up to the junction at the Ballymahon Road, outside of Ballinea.

Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

The project is being carried out by GMC Utilities Group Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann and is expected to be completed by August of this year.