Kildare to host largest ever water main repair in history

Uisce Éireann is preparing to undertake the largest repair operation in its history as specialist crews mobilise to carry out critical works on the Ballymore Eustace to Saggart trunk watermain over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The planned repairs form part of an ongoing programme to strengthen this strategically important pipeline, reduce leakage and minimise the risk of future bursts, while helping to safeguard drinking water supplies for homes, businesses and communities across Kildare, Dublin and Wicklow.

To facilitate these essential works, customers in Kill, Arthurstown, Rathmore, Athgoe and Tipperkevin may experience interruptions to their water supply and periods of low pressure over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

To support affected customers during the works, alternative water supplies will be available from 10pm pm on Friday, 31 July at Rathmore National School, and Kill International Equestrian Centre.

Customers are advised to bring their own clean containers when collecting water from these locations, and, as a precaution, this water should be boiled before drinking.

While largely unseen by the public, the Ballymore Eustace to Saggart trunk watermain is one of the most important pieces of water infrastructure in the region, supplying treated drinking water to approximately 1.7 million people across parts of Kildare, Dublin and Wicklow.

This year marks the third year of planned repair works on the 26km pipeline, building on successful programmes completed in 2024 and 2025.

Previous works have already delivered leakage savings of approximately 1.5 million litres per day while improving network resilience.

During this repair window, specialist crews will undertake a programme of critical works, including repairing several significant leaks and replacing a damaged section of watermain.

Almost 300 personnel, including specialist engineers, technicians, operational crews and network experts, will be involved in the operation, working around the clock throughout the 27-hour repair window to complete the works safely and return the pipeline to service.

Nicola Butler, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, said: “We recognise that these essential works will cause temporary disruption for some customers, and we would like to thank customers in Kill, Arthurstown, Rathmore, Athgoe and Tipperkevin for their patience and cooperation during the repair programme.

“These repairs are an important investment in strengthening this critical watermain and will help reduce the risk of more significant unplanned interruptions in the future, supporting a more reliable water supply for local communities.” Uisce Éireann’s Portfolio Manager, Mark O'Duffy, added: “Every aspect of this operation has been carefully planned to minimise disruption to local communities and businesses. Extensive preparations have been put in place, including ensuring treated water reservoirs supplying Kildare and surrounding counties are as full as possible to minimise impact to customers.

“The works are taking place at a time when water supplies remain under pressure and when protecting every litre of treated drinking water has never been more important.

“Repairing these leaks forms part of wider efforts to reduce water loss, safeguard water resources and protect drinking water supplies for customers and communities”.

Updates on the repair programme and any impacts to water supplies will be available throughout the weekend on the Uisce Éireann website and social media channels.

Uisce Éireann's customer care team is available 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries.

Further updates are available on the Uisce Éireann website.