Project to upgrade and improve the water supply in Rahan to begin next week

As part of its commitment to upgrade and improve water supplies across Co Offaly, Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Offaly County Council, is progressing a significant project to replace over 2km of aged water mains in Killiskea, Rahan.

The project, which will begin next week, will provide a more reliable water supply and reduce the amount of treated drinking water lost to leakage. The works are a critical step in conserving our most precious resource and reducing high levels of leakage which have been a significant source of disruption for customers.

To facilitate the safe delivery of these works, a road closure will be required from Monday, June 26 in Killiskea and information and diversions will be communicated locally. Local residential and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

Programme Manager for Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme, Joe Carroll, is looking forward to getting crews on site: “Old and damaged water mains remain a huge source of leakage and continue to impact communities right across Ireland, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing these old water mains in poor condition will eliminate existing leaks and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.”

“We would like to thank the community in Killiskea in advance for their patience and cooperation during the works. We know based on previous experiences that the short-term inconvenience will be overshadowed by the lasting benefits.”

The works may involve some short-term water interruptions, however, the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.

This project is being carried out by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd. on behalf of Uisce Éireann and is due to be completed by the end of September.

The National Leakage Reduction Programme helps provide a more reliable water supply to Irish communities by reducing high levels of leakage and improving water quality. Since 2018, its delivery has represented an investment of over €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the Leakage Reduction Programme. Uisce Éireann is investing a further €250 million annually up to the end of 2030 directed at fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.