Irish Water will shortly begin a project to replace approximately 4km of old water mains in Cork city centre which will result in significant improvements in the water supply for local customers.
The project will involve the decommissioning of old and damaged cast iron water main, much of which dates back to the early 1900s, in an area north of the river, on MacCurtain Street and surrounding streets.*
This work is essential in order to maintain a secure and reliable water supply for the people of Cork City. Due to the age of the pipes to be replaced, they have become severely corroded and have a high level of leakage as well as being subject to frequent bursts, which in turn leads to water discoloration issues. In some parts of the city over 60% of water supplied is lost through leakage. This project will benefit local residents by providing them with a more secure, reliable supply.
Removing old cast iron and lead pipes from the public water network and replacing them with new ductile iron and plastic (polyethylene) pipes will also reduce the risk of contamination, helping to protect customers’ health
Prior to the commencement of this work Irish Water, in partnership with Cork City Council, will host a drop in information evening relating to the planned water network improvement works. This will take place in the Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street, from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, July 5th.
Members of the public are invited to drop in, meet the project team and find out more about the proposed programme of works.
€20 million to be invested in Cork City
This project forms part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme which will see over €500 million invested over the next four years to reduce leakage and improve water supplies. In 2018/2019, we plan to invest €20 million in Cork City’s distribution network through water mains rehabilitation, lead service replacement, leak detection and repair programme and the First Fix Free scheme. As a result of this work, Irish Water expects to save up to 3 million litres of treated water every day.
Steven Blennerhassett, Water Network Programme lead, commented “Replacing these old water mains on MacCurtain Street, the Lower Glanmire Road and surrounding streets will reduce leakage and result in a major improvement in the water supply for our customers in the area. Combined with the proposed upgrade of the Lee Road water treatment plant and ongoing water main rehabilitation work throughout the city, this is part of Irish Water’s commitment to providing the people of Cork with a modern, safe and efficient water supply network.
“We recognise that works of this nature can cause inconvenience and we are committed to minimising any disruption by engaging with local businesses, residents and other stakeholders. We look forward to meeting the public at our information evening on July 5th where the project team will be available to discuss the plans and address any concerns people may have ahead of the commencement of the work.”
Temporary traffic management arrangements will be put in place
Construction is expected to commence by the end of July and the work will be carried out by Coffey Northumbrian on behalf of Irish Water. Temporary traffic management arrangements will be put in place as the work progresses in order to minimise disruption to the public and to businesses and residents in the area. The contractors will liaise with the Cork City Council Roads Department, An Garda Síochána and local residents and businesses who will be notified about upcoming events likely to cause disturbance such as planned temporary disconnection of services, working hours or any other planned works.
When construction is underway areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on the community. 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’ notice prior to any planned water shut offs.
Prior to the start of the main construction work, site investigation work is due to get underway this Monday, July 2. This will involve digging a number of trial holes in MacCurtain Street and surrounding area. This work will be mainly located in parking bays to keep disruption to a minimum and work areas will be limited to short sections.
We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience as a result of this essential work. Details of work in the area will be updated regularly on the Water Supply Updates or you can call our customer care team on 1850 278 278, open 24/7.
For more information on how we are reducing leakage across the country, visit www.water.ie
You can also play your part by reporting leaks on public property such as footpaths, roads and communal areas, using our online form or by calling 1850 278 278.
ENDS
*The locations to benefit from these improvement works include the following:
| Leitrim Street | Carrol’s Quay | York Street |
| Pine Street | Lower Glanmire Rd | Woods Place |
| Hardwick Street | Devonshire Street | Little William Street |
| Coburg Street | St. Patrick’s Quay | St. Patrick’s Hill |
| Camden Place | MacCurtain Street | Water Street |
| Bridge Street | Harley Street | Lower Grattan Hill |
