Halfway point reached in major Carlow watermain upgrade
3km of 6km now complete as works continue to strengthen supply for communities across the county
Uisce Éireann is continuing work on a major upgrade to improve water services for communities across Carlow, with crews now reaching the halfway point of the current phase of works.
As part of this phase, 3km of the planned 6km of aged watermains between Friarstown Pump Station and the N81/R727 junction at McGraths Cross have now been successfully replaced. When complete, this phase will deliver a more secure and reliable water supply for homes and businesses in St Mullins and surrounding areas.
Once finished, the works will bring the total length of upgraded watermains in this network to more than 12km, significantly strengthening supply, reducing leakage and supporting future growth across the county.
Commenting on the progress, Dave Murphy, Portfolio Manager with Uisce Éireann, said the works are already delivering benefits for local communities.
“Reaching the halfway point on this phase is a significant milestone. Replacing older watermains improves water quality and pressure, while also reducing the risk of bursts and unplanned outages. These works are helping to build a more resilient and reliable network for customers across Carlow, while supporting ongoing development in the area.
“We would like to thank the local community for their continued patience and cooperation as we deliver these essential upgrades.”
This phase follows earlier upgrades in the area, which saw the replacement of 6.5km of aged watermains between Brownshill Reservoir and Friarstown Pump Station, further enhancing the overall performance of the network.
The works are being carried out by Shareridge on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working every day to reduce leakage. Fixing leaks can be complex. With over 65,000 km of watermains buried underground across Ireland—enough to circle the earth one and a half times—many leaks are not visible. However, progress is being made, with leakage reduced from 49% in 2014 to 36% nationally.
Customers can contact Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 with any queries about the project or visit the Water Supply Updates section of our website for regular updates.
For more information visit our Straboe Crossroads to Brownshill Water Mains Replacement project page.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.
Previous Updates
Uisce Éireann is progressing the next phase of a major upgrade to improve water services for communities across Carlow.
This marks Phase Two of the upgrade, building on the earlier replacement of 6.5km of aged watermains between the Brownshill Reservoir and Friarstown Pump Station. When this phase is complete, more than 12km of old watermains will have been replaced, strengthening the network, reducing leakage and supporting future development plans across the county.
Commenting on the works, Dave Murphy, Portfolio Manager, Uisce Éireann, said continued investment in the Carlow network is essential to supporting the county’s long-term development. “Upgrading older watermains is essential to improving pressure, reducing the risk of disruption and ensuring a stronger, more resilient water network for communities in Carlow. When this phase is finished, more than 12km of old watermains will have been upgraded. This signals the continued major investment by Uisce Éireann and a substantial programme of work that will deliver lasting improvements for customers across the county.”
“We would like to thank customers for their patience and cooperation as we deliver this important upgrade.”
This latest phase will see 6km of aged watermains replaced from Friarstown Pump Station to the N81/R727 junction at McGraths Cross, delivering a more secure, reliable supply for homes and businesses in Strobe and surrounding areas.
The works will be carried out by Shareridge on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working every day to reduce leakage. Fixing leaks can be complicated. We have over 65,000 km of water pipes underground in Ireland—enough to circle the earth one and a half times. Most leaks aren’t visible, resulting in precious water being lost, but we are making progress. Leakage levels are now at their lowest ever, with water loss reduced from 49% in 2014 to 36% nationally.
Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website for regular updates.
For more information, visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme page.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.
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