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.
