Works progressing on critical upgrades to water infrastructure in Clonmel

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

Uisce Éireann continues to progress critical upgrades to Clonmel’s drinking water infrastructure to improve water quality and build resilience across the network.  

Replacing aged watermains in the town centre  

Works underway in the town centre, which are being carried out under Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme, involve the installation of 1.4km of new water mains to replace aging cast iron pipes which have been prone to quality issues, bursts, and high levels of leakage.  

Once completed, these upgrades will strengthen the resilience of the water network and enhance water quality for homes and businesses in the area.

Improvement works on Kickham Street are progressing well. Work is ongoing on Upper Gladstone Street this week and will move on to Catherine Street next week. Morton Street will see specialist crews arrive in early December and departing ahead of Christmas holidays. Other locations to benefit in the new year from this committed investment to upgrade the water network include William Street, Bolton Street, Cashel Street, and Mary Street. A number of phased road closures are taking place to facilitate the safe and efficient delivery of these essential works. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. 

Speaking about the Leakage Reduction Programme investment underway, Dave Murphy, Portfolio Manager with Uisce Éireann, said: “We would like to extend our thanks to the local community in Clonmel for the continued support and patience while these complex works progress. 

“We acknowledge that replacing old pipes under the streets of the town centre is inconvenient. Our crews are making every effort to reduce disruption while we deliver these critical works as quickly and safely as possible. 

“New, modern water mains are a vital part of Uisce Éireann’s’ investment in Clonmel to ensure security of supply now and into the future, with the long-term benefits far outweighing any short-term inconvenience.” 

Update on installation of new water mains as part of the Clonmel Water Supply upgrade project

Crews have now completed all pipelaying work in the town centre required as part of the Clonmel Water Supply upgrade project and will now commence work on permanent road reinstatement. Works will take place overnight on Thomas Street and Dillion Street from Monday, 24 November, to Friday, 28 November from 7pm to 7am, ahead of marking the beginning of the festive period in the town.

Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the community throughout the duration of these works. Over 13km of the final 15km of new watermain has been laid to date with remaining installation ongoing between Rathronan Cross to Giantsgrave Reservoir. 

The works being delivered in the town to upgrade the water network are part of Uisce Éireann’s ongoing multi-million investment programme to improve Clonmel’s water supply, with other upgrades underway at Glenary and Monroe water treatment plants. The associated water network upgrades which are making steady progress will support the planned decommissioning of the Poulavanogue supply. These projects are strategic investments which together will strengthen the security and resilience of the town’s water supply into the future. 

Due to issues at the Glenary Water Treatment Plant, a Boil Water Notice was put in place on 23 October to protect the health of customers. Ongoing water quality testing has shown the presence of Giardia in the water supply and all homes and businesses on the supply must boil their water before drinking.  

Pierce Faharty, Water Operations Manager with Uisce Éireann added, “Protection of public health remains our top priority. We acknowledge that our customers in Clonmel supplied by the Glenary water treatment plant continue to boil their water before drinking. We recognise the impact this is having on the local community and would like to apologise for the inconvenience. Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann are working, in consultation with the HSE, to lift the notice as soon as it is safe to do so.”

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. To find out more visit www.water.ie.