Drogheda water supply interruptions could affect more than 45,000 people across the town and surrounding communities this weekend as Uisce Éireann carries out an urgent repair to a damaged pipeline.
The works are scheduled to take place overnight from 10pm on Friday, September 11th until 6am on Saturday, September 12th.
Uisce Éireann said its crews have identified a damaged section of pipeline which requires urgent attention. Carrying out the repair in a planned manner is intended to reduce the risk of the pipe bursting and causing a more widespread unplanned outage.
The work has been scheduled overnight when demand for water is generally lower in an effort to limit the impact on homes, businesses, schools and healthcare facilities.
Areas that could be affected
Customers in Drogheda and a large number of surrounding communities may experience interruptions while the work is underway.
Areas listed by Uisce Éireann include Clogherhead, Ganderstown, Termonfeckin, Ballymackenny, Laurence’s Park, Beaulieu Village, Termonabbey, Cross Lane, Moneymore, Ballymakenny Road, Cord Road, Newfoundwell Road, Boyne, Ashfield, North Road, Lourdes, Loughboy, Trinity Street, Patrick Street, Marsh Road, Rathmullan Road, Marleys Lane, Ballsgrove Estate, Rathmullan, Haymarket, Wheaton Hall, Cedarfield, Marian Park, Platin Road, Dublin Road and Donore Industrial Estate.
Supply expected to return on Saturday
Uisce Éireann Regional Operational Manager Stephen Burke said carrying out the repair now should help prevent a potentially more disruptive burst.
“These works are essential to help protect drinking water supplies for thousands of customers across Drogheda and the surrounding area,” he said.
“While we recognise that any interruption to water supply is inconvenient, carrying out this repair now will help reduce the risk of a major burst and a much more significant unplanned disruption in the future.”
He said teams have been preparing for the repair and will work throughout the night.
“We’ll be working throughout the night to complete the works safely and restore supplies as quickly as possible. We are engaging directly with Vulnerable customers and key local stakeholders to help them prepare, and we sincerely thank the community for its patience and understanding while these important works are carried out.”
A full water supply is expected to be restored throughout Saturday.
However, people living on higher ground or towards the end of the water network could experience low pressure or intermittent supply for several hours as the system refills.
What to do if your water is discoloured
Some customers may notice temporary discolouration when their supply returns.
Uisce Éireann said this can occur following repairs to the network and is usually resolved by running the cold kitchen tap for a few minutes until the water runs clear.
Updates on the works will be available through the Uisce Éireann Supply and Service map using reference number LOU00119918.
Vulnerable customers registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.
Customers can also contact the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline on 1800 278 278, which operates 24 hours a day.
