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IRISH Water, working in partnership with Kerry County Council, is to commence replacing ageing back yard water mains, lead service connections and constructing new water mains in parts of Tralee next week.
The works will take place at Balloonagh Estate, Mountain Close, St. Josephs Estate and Michael O’Flynn Terrace may involved short-term water shut-offs and are expected to be completed in May 2022.
Speaking about the works, Steven Blennerhassett, who is Irish Water’s Programme Delivery Lead said; “In some older estates water connections, typically made of iron or lead, were installed to the rear of the property and are often referred to as backyard service connections. The pipework due to age and deteriorating condition are a significant source of leakage and reduced levels of service.
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“Backyard services are usually shared, running through a number of neighbouring properties making it difficult to detect and repair leaks and since all properties share a connection, leaks and bursts affect all properties usually resulting in low pressure.”
Irish Water have outlined that a survey is required at each property where a backyard service is in use. The individual survey is undertaken to assess the current water connection arrangement for that property and discuss the best way to connect the new service to the customers home.
Customers to benefit from these improvement works will be contacted directly by Ward and Burke Construction to provide information about the required works and to discuss a suitable time to carry out an individual survey.
Blennerhassett also outlined that the short-term inconvenience would bring long term benefits to customers; “The works, when they commence, 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 may be in place during this time. Local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.”
Residents and businesses in the areas to benefit from the planned improvements will be notified directly and customers can phone Irish Water on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project.
