WORK to overhaul Adrigole's unreliable water supply is set to start next week.

Kevin Murphy, portfolio manager for Uisce Éireann's leakage reduction programme, confirmed the April 27th start date and said the project should be completed by the end of July.

Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann organised an information meeting for the evening of Thursday April 23rd to answer any questions locals might have.

The purpose of the meeting is to outline the fact that 2.5km of old asbestos cement water mains will be replaced by high-density plastic pipes.

Kevin Murphy said Uisce Éireann does not envisage any water supply disruption during the works, but water tankers will be on standby if necessary.

Given that there were 30 breakages in one 12-month period alone, including outages for some at Christmas time, locals established the Adrigole Water Action Group to highlight the problem.

Kieran O'Shea, chairman of the action group, said: 'We were initially critical of Uisce Éireann's poor communication with the group, but we appreciate the positive outcome.'

He said Adrigole is fortunate to have received the go-ahead for their project a few short months after their first protest meeting last November.

The group chairman suggested it could have been the pester power of the water action group, working in collaboration with councillors and TDs, that helped to pile the pressure on the water utility.

Once the project design was finalised, Kevin Murphy, the leakage reduction programme manager, said: 'There was really good engagement with local public and elected representatives.

'We appreciate their concerns, and their frustrations, over the last number of months, and years, but we are really excited to start this project next week.'

Kevin said: 'The works in Adrigole form an important part of our national drive to reduce leakage and build a stronger, more resilient water network.

'By upgrading ageing infrastructure, we are helping to provide communities with a dependable water service that supports them every day.

'This upgrade is being delivered with the community’s needs at its core,' he added. 'It will put a lasting solution in place. It will reduce future disruptions, improve service, and strengthen the network for many years to come.'