RESIDENTS of Riverdale in Skibbereen will soon benefit from a more secure and reliable water supply with Uisce Éireann set to begin works next week to replace ageing backyard water mains and reduce high levels of leakage in the area.

The works will take place in Riverdale Estate and Upper Bridge Street and involve the decommissioning of ageing backyard water mains and the delivery of 535 metres of new modern pipes.

In some older estates across the country water connections, typically made of iron or lead, were installed to the rear of properties, often referred to as backyard service connections.

The pipework due to age and deterioration factors can be a significant source of leakage. Backyard water services are usually shared, running through neighbouring properties making it difficult to detect and repair leaks.

Since properties may share a connection, leaks and bursts can affect all properties in a neighbourhood which can result in low pressure.

Jack Cronin, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, is looking forward to getting this important project underway for the community in Skibbereen.

'Aged water mains and old service connections contribute significantly to water leakage and quality issues.  The replacement of these deteriorating water mains and services connections will improve the resilience of   the network, eliminate existing leaks and reduce the amount of clean water lost into the ground. The works will also improve the operation of the network by reducing the need for frequent repairs to aged water mains, resulting in a positive impact on leakage and the daily lives of residents. We would like to thank the local community for their support and patience in advance as we carry out these essential works'

The 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.

To safely and efficiently deliver these works, traffic management in the form of a localised road closure within Riverdale Estate and a stop/go system will be in place.

Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

Customers to benefit from these improvement works will be contacted directly by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd who are carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann, to provide further information and to discuss a suitable time to carry out the individual surveys.

This project is being delivered as part of Uisce Éireann’s national Leakage Reduction Programme which continues to deliver significant benefits to communities across Ireland, including improved water quality, provision of a more resilient and sustainable water supply for customers, and considerable water savings.