160,000 North Dubliners to get improved water services and water for 12,000 new homes

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

Uisce Éireann will begin works next Monday, 16 February, on a new €25 million strategic water pipeline in the Clontarf area that will significantly improve resilience and long-term water security across north Dublin city. The North City Arterial Main (NCAM) will also provide the additional network capacity required to enable the delivery of 12,000 new homes, supporting future growth across the region.

This project involves the installation of a new high pressure trunk water main designed to significantly reinforce the water distribution network in north Dublin city. By integrating with the existing arterial water network, the new main will establish a stronger, more robust, and more direct path from reservoir to tap. This enhanced interconnectivity will significantly reduce the risk of interruption to supply to 160,000 properties across the Dublin region. This upgrade is part of an ongoing investment in water services in the Greater Dublin Area. Much of the existing water network was originally developed to serve around 500,000 people; today it supports approximately 2 million. Investment of this scale is essential to future proof the system, address pressure on ageing infrastructure, and ensure a reliable supply for a growing population. 

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne emphasised the importance of the works: “It’s important to see the commencement of this project, which will support the development of much needed housing in Dublin. Continued investment in public water services is critical to facilitating housing delivery, and to the development of cities and towns throughout Ireland. The increased funding that I have allocated to Uisce Éireann for 2026 will accelerate the delivery of water infrastructure and support the development of new homes across the country.”
According to Programme Manager, Jessica Dale: “The NCAM project is central to strengthening resilience in North Dublin’s water network. As our population grows, we need modern, reliable infrastructure to safeguard supply, support new housing, and underpin economic development. These works are critical to ensuring that north Dublin city has the water capacity it needs — not just for today, but for generations and homes to come.” 

Construction of the first phase will be delivered by GMC Utilities Group on behalf of Uisce Éireann. Works will take place from Causeway Road to Bayside Boulevard, including Greendale Road and Thornville Road, and will involve:

• 2.5km of new water main along James Larkin Road/Dublin Road
• 1.1km of new water main along Greendale Road, Thornville Road and Kilbarrack Parade. 

To safely facilitate these works, the southbound lane on James Larkin Road will close from Monday, 16 February, until mid-summer. The closure will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the full duration. Standard working will be Monday to Friday, with weekend work as required. 
Traffic diversions will be in place via Howth Road and Watermill Road, and access for residents, businesses and emergency services will be maintained throughout. 

Recognising the unavoidable disruption these works may cause, Programme Manager Jessica Dale said: “We fully understand that traffic restrictions can be frustrating, and we are committed to minimising disruption wherever possible. These works are essential for the long term reliability of water services in our capital, and we have planned them carefully to reduce local impact as much as possible. We are working closely with Dublin City Council, emergency services, public transport operators including Dublin Bus, and refuse collection companies, and we will keep the community updated as works progress. We recently issued updates directly to residents most impacted by the works.” 

More information on the NCAM project is available at: North City Arterial Main (NCAM) | Our Projects | Uisce Éireann  

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to supporting thriving communities by investing in critical infrastructure, safeguarding public health, and enabling sustainable development. 

Customers can sign up for real time local service alerts through Uisce Éireann’s free text update service using their Eircode and mobile number at our Text Alerts page.