€5m works to focus on Tralee

IRISH WATER PROJECT TO REDUCE LEAKS AND LEAD SERVICES IN 2018

KERRY will be subject to some €5 million of works in 2018 as part of the Irish Water Capital Investment Programme 2017-2021 – with the greater Tralee area set to be the main beneficiary of this year’s projects.

Irish Water, Kerry County Council, and contractor Coffey Northumbrian Limited will work together as an extensive mains rehabilitation and lead replacement programme unfolds in the town this year. Around 800 lead services will be replaced in Kerry in 2018 and the programme aims to reduce leakages by around three mega-litres a day.

Speaking at a briefing attended by representatives of Irish Water and Kerry County Council (KCC) in recent days, Paul Moroney of Irish Water explained that the work is part of a national programme aiming to reduce leakages by 180 million litres a day and the replacement of some 35,000 lead services. On Friday, Mr Moroney said the works will increase Tralee’s capacity for industry and that the upgraded water network will also bring about major benefits in terms of health and savings.

While the 2017-2021 programme may spread across the county even this year, Tralee has been prioritised, having been recognised nationally as an area with significant potential for growth.

KCC’s John Breen explained that the programme will roll out from March replacing around 2.5 kilometres of mains, serving approximately 500 household connections, in O’Rahilly’s Villas, Strand Street, Rae Street, Kevin Barry’s Villas, Hawley Park and Mitchell’s Road. Other areas subject to works later this year will include Upper Castle Street, Boherbue, Moyderwell and Racecourse Road.

KCC is also set to carry out mains rehabilitation works in Cahill’s Park, Lisbeg and Cloondara in the coming weeks, MEIC Limited will complete 0.75 kilometres of mains replacement on Oakpark Road and Brewery Road shortly, with replacements also taking place in the Camp and Ballyseedy areas in the second quarter of 2018.

Mr Breen also referred to the specially funded, countywide, two-year ‘Find and Fix’ programme which is searching for and mending leaks, with its initial focus on Tralee town. ‘Loggers’ have been installed on more than 30 bulk meters in the area, identifying areas that can be targeted by leak detection crews. Mr Moroney said provisional data indicates that savings are already being made, details of which will later be published as part of a national run-down.

Irish Water went on to explain that it will survey and assess sewer networks, storm water overflows, pumping stations and more as part of drawing up a proposed Drainage Area Plan for the town for the coming years.

In providing an update on further works, Mr Breen said the new €30 million Lough Guittane water treatment plant project, one of the largest projects in the country, is due for completion in the coming two months.

Those at the briefing also took time to promote the First Fix programme, which offers customers a free investigation of possible leaks, and a free repair if a leak is found on an external supply pipe.

Some 1,000 Kerry customers have been notified of daily leaks of over 1,000 litres, with some extreme cases seeing losses of up to 50,000 litres – enough to supply a small village.

Leaks can be reported by customers online at www.water.ie or by phoning 1850 278 278.

Mr Breen also expressed disappointment at the poor uptake for grants for lead replacement for households. If a household wishes to replace lead pipework, a grant of up to €4,000 is available for incomes of €50,000 or less, with a grant of up to €2,500 available to those with incomes between €50,001 and €75,000.

Applications for these grants can be made to Kerry County Council.

John Breen