WORK is due to get underway next week to replace ageing water mains in St Nessan’s Road which will ensure a more secure and reliable water supply for local businesses and residents.
The work involves the replacement of approximately 1.4 kilometres of problematic water mains with high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.
There have been frequent bursts on this section of water main due to its age and poor condition, leading to regular supply disruption and road works.
The programme to replace the water mains on St Nessans Road will commence on Monday, September 14 and is expected to take 12 weeks to complete. The works are due to be carried out from the Dooradoyle Roundabout to the junction of St. Nessans Road and Ballycummin Road.
They will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead these will be replaced as part of this improvement work.
These works are taking place in advance of a full road surface overlay to be carried out by Limerick City and County Council.
Gerry O’Donnell, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead with Irish Water, said: “These essential works, which are part of the national Leakage Reduction Programme, will help reduce the instances of bursts and water outages and ensure a reliable supply to local residents and businesses. The removal of old cast iron mains will also improve water quality.
“Minimising disruption while carrying out this work safely are our top priorities. The works will be undertaken in short sections, primarily in the inbound bus lane. These sections of bus lane will be closed until works at each section are completed.
“These sections will be re-opened as work progresses through the 1.4 kilometre overall site of the project.”
The work is being carried out by Shareridge Ltd in partnership with Limerick City & County Council on behalf of Irish Water.
The work 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. Where water mains are being constructed traffic management may be in place during this time.
Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times and will continue to work with the community to minimise disruption. Customers can phone Irish Water on 1850 278 278 if they have any further questions about the project.
