Irish Water replacing lead pipes in Kilbeggan

Irish Water in partnership with Westmeath County Council has begun work to replace lead pipes in Kilbeggan.

This work in Kilbeggan is part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme which over the next four years will see €500 million invested to reduce the high level of leakage across the country by fixing or replacing ageing water mains. This will ensure a safe, reliable water supply which is vital for our health, our environment and our growing population and economy.

This project commenced on Tuesday, 22 May and will involve the decommissioning and replacement of approximately 500 meters of ageing cast iron water mains from The Distillery on the Main Street, on The Square and to the post office roundabout in Kilbeggan. These works will be carried out by GMC Utilities Group Ltd on behalf of Irish Water and are expected to take four weeks to complete.
 

“The works involve laying new water service connections from the public water network to replace any lead service connections that are currently in place. Service connections are the pipes that connect a customer’s property to the public water mains in the street. These lead service connections are being replaced with modern high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic pipes to ensure a safer, more reliable supply of water to customers in the area,” Irish Water stated.
 
“The works may involve some short-term water shut offs and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours prior notice of any planned water shut offs. Traffic management will be in place for the duration of the works. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times. We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause.”

Commenting on the works, Derek Deignan, Regional Lead – Leakage Reduction Programme said: “The replacement of these ageing water mains and public side lead service connections in Kilbeggan will improve the security of supply for local residents and businesses and reduce current high levels of leakage. Replacing the existing water mains and service connections with a new modern pipes will provide a long term solution to ensure a safe and secure water supply is delivered to our customers.” 
 
Residents and businesses in the area of the works have been notified and customers can phone Irish Water on call save 1850 278 278 if they have any questions about the project.
 
Further information on Irish Water’s Leakage Reduction Programme is also available on the Irish Water website www.water.ie.