Irish Water has approved the replacement of an additional 2.3kms of critical water mains in the mid Kerry supply scheme.

The works are between the Gap of Dunloe Cross on the Board of Works Road and Beaufort village, to further improve reliability of water supply in the Beaufort, Listry and Faha areas.

Kerry County Council are carrying out the works as part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme are are expected to continue until the end of March.

The latest works began along the Board of Works road in July with 2.4kms of new mains being constructed on a section between the Gap Cross and Kissane’s shop. These works are nearing completion and the Kerry County Council crew will then continue working on the next 2.3km section between the Gap Cross and Beaufort Village.

“Irish Water acknowledges the significant disruption caused by ongoing breaks to the watermains in the Beaufort, Listry and Faha areas. We would like to thank the local community, businesses, homeowners and commuters for their patience and cooperation while we continue with this vital water network improvement project,” Steven Blennerhassett of Irish Water said.

“Replacing the old, damaged pipes will safeguard the water supply for the large part of the mid Kerry scheme supplied from the Board of Works Road trunk watermain. The new water mains and service connections will reduce the instances of bursts and water outages. These improvements to the water network are essential in providing a safe, secure and reliable water supply, now and into the future.”

Charlie O’Leary, Executive Engineer with Kerry County Council acknowledged the importance of the works to the mid Kerry water supply.

“The water supply in the mid Kerry scheme is supplied in part by an asbestos cement pipe laid on sections of the Board of Works road in the 1970s. Almost 8kms in total of the supply pipes across the scheme were replaced in recent years with the remaining replacements now being undertaken on the eastern network toward Killarney. The worst of this section is in and around the Gap Cross with multiple bursts over the years. When this additional 2.3km is completed it will mean that in total 14.5km of very problematic but critical water mains in the area will have been replaced through previously replaced sections and the work carried out in 2021/22.”

This work is being carried out as part of Irish Water’s Leakage Reduction Programme, which will see €500m invested nationally to tackle problematic pipes and leakage in Ireland’s ageing water network.

“We understand that this type of work can be disruptive, but we are committed to working with the local community to minimise disruption,” added Steven.

The works may involve some short-term water shut offs and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water shut offs. Where water mains are being constructed, traffic management will be in place to ensure the works are carried out safely. In order to complete this work safely and efficiently a temporary road closure from the Gap of Dunloe cross to the River Loe bridge is required. Recommended diversions will be signposted on approach. Local access will be maintained throughout the works. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.