Usice Éireann set to invest €2m in new water mains system in these Tipperary townlands
Uisce Éireann is making significant progress upgrading water mains in Tipperary ensuring the delivery of clean and safe drinking water for hundreds of customers in the Premier County, according to the utility.
A €2m investment involves the construction of new water mains to connect areas where water supply can be challenged to a more reliable supply, they said this Tuesday.
Uisce Éireann has identified areas in county Tipperary where the existing drinking water infrastructure is not sufficient to meet demand or areas which are prone to restrictions which impacts the local community.
They say they are prioritising these areas to ensure that they can provide a more secure supply of water to their customers by building an extension to the underground network to connect one area to a more reliable supply.
"We are making good progress, with a 1.8km extension of the water network in Upperchurch to supply local homes and businesses from the Kilcommon water supply already completed," said a spokesperson.
The next part of this vital programme will see the Glengar / Cappawhite supply connected to Ironmills, which involves the construction of over 5km of new water mains, benefitting 470 customers. Crews are already at work this week laying new watermains from the existing Glengar Lower reservoir in Knockanavar, along the L-5111 and the R505 through Cappawhite Village to the existing reservoir in Glassdrum Upper.
Programme Manager Laura Heneghen outlined the benefits for the community.
“The delivery of these essential works will help provide a safer, more secure water supply for these communities in Tipperary by improving the resilience of the network and ensuring continued compliance with drinking water regulations. We would like to thank customers 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.”
To deliver the works safely and efficiently, a road closure will be in place on the L-5111 at Knocknavar until Friday, December 15. Traffic will follow a sign posted diversion via Doon village to the west and the townland of Losset to the east during the road closure. Locals can be assured that local and emergency traffic will be accommodated at all times.
Uisce Éireann warned that works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.
Next year will get off to a busy start for crews working to deliver this important project for the people of Tipperary, as works will progress to the west of Cappawhite village after the Christmas break.
"We will endeavour to keep the local community informed as this essential water supply scheme progresses," they said.
The works are being carried out by David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd and are expected to be completed in autumn 2024, with areas of work to be limited to short sections to minimise impact.