Work is continuing across Drogheda to upgrade the town’s water network, as Uisce Éireann replaces older backyard service connections with modern infrastructure.
The programme is part of the national Leakage Reduction Programme and aims to improve water pressure, reduce leaks and provide a more reliable supply for homes and businesses.
Since 2021, 841 backyard service connections have been replaced in Drogheda, with a further 364 planned by the end of this year. So far, 5.6 kilometres of new water mains have been installed, with another 2.1 kilometres due to be completed in 2026.
In many older areas, water connections were originally installed at the back of properties and shared between households. These systems, often made of iron or lead, have deteriorated over time and are prone to leaks, bursts and reduced pressure. Because they run through multiple gardens, they can also be difficult to access and repair.
The current works involve replacing these shared connections with individual supplies at the front of each home, improving safety and reliability for residents.
Uisce Éireann has recently been working with residents in Lagavoreen, Moneymore and Yellowbatter, moving connections from back gardens to public roads and footpaths. Crews have been carrying out the work on a home by home basis, aiming to minimise disruption.
Declan Healy of Uisce Éireann said the work may not always be visible, but is making a real difference.
You won’t see backyard services works on main roads or in large construction sites, he said. “Unless you’re living in the area or housing estate where the works are, you might not be aware they are happening. They are quiet but hugely impactful upgrades in customers’ back gardens, and the impact is far-reaching providing improved water quality, supply reliability, and reduced leakage for thousands of people across the town.
These projects reflect Uisce Éireann’s vision to provide safe, sustainable water services that support thriving communities,” he added. “Without the support of local communities getting behind these projects the investment would be meaningless. We would like to thank each and every homeowner who has engaged with us over the past number of years to reap this success and look forward to continuing to work on replacing back yard services into the future to provide a more sustainable water supply across Drogheda.
He said that while the work can seem slow, the long term benefits are clear.
For customers benefiting from backyard service replacement, it does mean a reliable water pressure, fewer interruptions, and a system that is far easier to maintain. For the wider community, it represents ongoing progress in safeguarding Drogheda’s water supply for the future.
In Moneymore, works are almost complete, with 2.1 kilometres of new water mains installed to replace 266 backyard connections. In Lagavoreen, more than 170 connections have been replaced with 1.4 kilometres of new water mains across Mount Saint Oliver, Marian Park, Priests Lane and Congress Avenue.
Work also began north of the River Boyne last year, with 400 backyard services being replaced in areas including Ascal, Bredin Street, Sandyford Terrace, Crushrod and surrounding parts of Yellowbatter. These homes will be connected to a new 2.15 kilometre public side pipe.
Further works are now underway in parts of Lagavoreen, including Sunnyside Cottages, St Mary’s Villas, Carmelite Cottages and Clintons Lane. A total of 84 homes will be connected to a new 540 metre pipe as part of this phase.
Uisce Éireann has invested €2 billion in upgrading the country’s water network through its Leakage Reduction Programme, with a further €1 billion planned by the end of 2029. Leakage levels have reduced from 49 percent in 2014 to 36 percent nationally, with work continuing to bring that figure down further.
