Cork's northside facing months of temporary water and road disruptions

The northside of Cork city is set to experience months of temporary water supply disruption and road closures as Uisce Éireann replaces some of its aging cast iron water mains.

The water utility has said it intends to replace 2.4 kilometres of old cast iron water mains in a programme of works due to commence next week and expected to run until September.

Water quality became an ongoing and widespread problem in Cork city when the then Irish Water opened its refurbished €40m Lee Road water treatment plant in July, 2022, and became inundated with complaints about brown and orange discoloured water across the city.

Intermittent issues with water quality have persisted since then.

In October of 2022, Irish Water itted to The Echo that an adjustment of the chemicals used in water preparation at the Lee Road plant had caused rusty sediment to be stripped from the inside of Cork city’s cast-iron water mains, resulting in discoloured water pouring from household taps.

The company told this newspaper that new infrastructure at the plant had “required an alteration of the chemistry involved in water treatment” and “the water had a tendency to cause sediment to come loose and cause discolouration in the network”.

Now Uisce Éireann is set to begin replacing some of the northside’s ancient water mains over the coming months.

Works will take place in the following areas: Barrett’s Terrace, Gurranabraher Road, Friars Avenue, Boyce’s Street, St Anthony’s Road, Glen Ryan Road, McSwiney’s Villas, St Theresa’s Road, St Anne’s Road, Presentation Avenue, St Vincent’s Street, St Brigid’s Road, Gurranabraher Avenue, St Rita’s Avenue and St Philomena’s Road.

The company warned that works may involve short-term water interruptions and said it would ensure that a minimum of 48 hours’ notice was given prior to any planned disruption.

It added that local traffic management would be in place to facilitate works, with road closures required in some areas, but emergency and local access would be maintained.

Brian McCarthy, Uisce Éireann programme manager said the company had prioritised cast iron water mains in Gurranabraher for investment and replacement due to their age and deteriorating condition.

“The replacement works are also an important part of addressing the discolouration issues that some customers have been experiencing.

“These improvements to the water network are critical and we are delighted to progress these upgrades for the local community, providing them with a more secure and reliable water supply that will also reduce leakage and strengthen the water network in the city for generations to come,” Mr McCarthy said.

“We would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete these essential works.” 

The project is being carried out by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann and works are expected to be completed by September 2025.

The company said of the public could phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 with any questions about the project or visit water.ie for regular updates.