Uisce Éireann begins largest-ever repair operation to safeguard water supplies for 1.7 million people across Dublin, Kildare and parts of Wicklow
Critical works on 26km watermain commence this evening
Uisce Éireann’s largest and most complex planned repair operation will get underway later today as specialist crews begin work on a section of the 26km Ballymore Eustace to Saggart trunk watermain.
Customers across Dublin, Kildare and parts of Wicklow are expected to experience little or no interruption to their water supply during the works, following months of detailed planning to protect supplies and avoid disruption wherever possible.
The start of works marks a major milestone in safeguarding a pipeline that stretches from the Ballymore Eustace Water Treatment Plant in Co Kildare to the treated water reservoir in Saggart, supplying water to 1.7 million people every day. Later today, sections of this vital pipeline will be exposed as specialist crews begin one of the most significant repair operations ever undertaken by Uisce Éireann.
Almost 300 personnel will work through the August Bank Holiday weekend, with just 27 hours available to complete these complex repairs before the watermain is returned to service. The programme includes repairing 15 leaks and replacing one damaged section of pipe, helping to strengthen the network and reduce the risk of future unplanned bursts.
Nicola Butler, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, said: "This work has been planned in detail to help protect supplies and avoid disruption for the homes, schools, hospitals, businesses and essential services that depend on this water every day.
Most people never see the scale of infrastructure and expertise working behind the scenes to keep water flowing to communities across the region. These repairs will help strengthen this vital watermain and reduce the risk of bursts in the future that would be impactful to many communities."
Uisce Éireann will continue to provide updates throughout the weekend as the operation progresses. Customers can stay informed by visiting the project page on the Uisce Éireann website.
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours. To register as a vulnerable customer or as an alternative contact, visit our Vulnerable Customers page.
Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. Further updates are available on our website.
Uisce Éireann customers can also sign up to the free Text Alerts service with their Eircode and mobile number to receive real-time updates about local water supply issues.
Customers can visit the interactive map to view potentially affected areas.
For more information, visit our Ballymore Eustace to Saggart Critical Pipeline Repair project page.
Previous Updates
Uisce Éireann is preparing to undertake the largest repair operation in its history as specialist crews mobilise to carry out critical works on the Ballymore Eustace to Saggart trunk watermain over the August bank holiday weekend. These planned repairs mark the latest phase of a programme of works to strengthen the pipeline, reduce leakage and minimise the risk of future bursts.
While largely unseen by the public, this vital piece of infrastructure delivers approximately 220 million litres of treated drinking water every day to homes, businesses, hospitals, schools and essential services. Every day, families and communities across parts of Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow rely on the water it delivers.
During this intensive repair window over the bank holiday weekend, specialist crews will undertake a programme of critical works, including repairing several significant leaks and the replacement of a damaged section of watermain. Previous works completed in 2024 and 2025 have already delivered significant leakage savings of some 1.5 million litres of water per day while improving network resilience.
Nicola Butler, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, said: “Most people will never see this 25km trunk pipeline, yet it plays a fundamental role in everyday life. It is one of the most important pieces of water infrastructure in the country and helps supply drinking water to approximately 1.7 million people across parts of Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.
"What makes these works unique is their scale. The operation will bring together almost 300 personnel, including specialist engineers, technicians, operational crews and network experts, working around the clock throughout the repair window of 27 hours to complete the works safely and return the pipeline to service.”
Uisce Éireann's Portfolio Manager, Mark O'Duffy, explained the planning that goes into a repair of this scale to avoid any impact to customers:
"Every aspect of the operation has been carefully planned to avoid disruption to local communities and businesses. Extensive preparations have been put in place including ensuring treated water reservoirs supplying Dublin and surrounding counties are as full as possible, and that plans are in place to maintain water services for everyone while the works are being carried out.”
The works are taking place at a time when water supplies remain under pressure and when protecting every litre of treated drinking water has never been more important. Repairing these leaks forms part of wider efforts to reduce water loss, safeguard water resources and protect drinking water supplies for customers and communities at a time of increasing demand and water conservation measures nationwide.
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours. To register as a vulnerable customer or as an alternative contact, visit our Vulnerable Customers page.
Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number on the Text Alerts page on our website.
Customers can visit the interactive map to view potentially affected areas.
For more information, visit our Ballymore Eustace to Saggart Critical Pipeline Repair project page.
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