Irish Water to start 4.3M euro water main scheme on Cape Clear

Irish Water is investing €4.3M to improve the water supply infrastructure on Cape Clear, which will result in a much more reliable and sustainable water supply for residents and visitors to the island.

The Cape Clear Water Main Rehabilitation Project, in partnership with Cork County Council, involves replacing 11.5km of water mains much of which is in poor condition and subject to frequent leaks and bursts. As a result of this investment, more than 11 million litres of water that is currently lost to leakage will be saved leading to significant improvements in the water supply for local householders and businesses.

The contract to carry out this work has gone to ShareRidge, and construction will get underway next month with Irish Water expecting the work to last for 18 months. In addition to the replacement of the watermains, the project also includes the installation and commissioning of 208 new service connections.

Mark O’Duffy, Irish Water’s regional lead, said: “This project will ensure the long-term sustainable provision of drinking water for residents and visitors to the island, especially during the busy summer tourist season. It will also lead to the saving of millions of litres of water that is currently lost to leakage.”

The work will be carried out in short sections to minimise impact on residents, businesses and road users.

In addition to this watermain replacement project, Irish Water is also continuing to progress plans as part of the separate Cape Clear Water Supply Scheme Project. This project will ultimately provide a new drinking water source on the island and will include the construction of a new water treatment plant.