Ratoath water improvement works commence

Work has begun on the next phase of the water mains project which will alleviate water shortages in Ratoath.

Uisce Eireann has commenced work on the net phase of the Windmill Hill Reservoir and Trunk Watermain to Ratoath project.

It will increase storage capacity significantly at Windmill Hill reservoir and replace the existing watermain between the reservoir and Ratoath village.

It involves replacing over 7km of problematic, old watermains to Ratoath that are prone to frequent bursts and cause water supply disruptions for customers in Ratoath, Kilbride and Ashbourne.

These new watermains will also address low water pressure particularly in Ratoath, during periods of peak demand. The old watermains are being replaced by high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.

As part of the project, being delivered by Shareridge Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann and Meath County Council, necessary road closures will be required.

Pipelaying works will initially begin at the Emerald Park roundabout (formally Tayto Park) and then progress along the R155 towards Curragha from Monday 27th March to Monday 8th May 2023.

During this period a signed traffic diversion route from the R155/Skryne road junction to the Emerald Park roundabout will exist via Ashbourne. Local and emergency access will be maintained throughout the works for all residents and businesses.

Diversion routes will be signposted on approach and Uisce Éireann will endeavour to minimise delays/disruptions to local traffic.

Speaking about the works, William McKnight, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, said, “We are now commencing the next phase of this vital project that will provide a more reliable water supply for existing homes and businesses in Ratoath, Kilbride and Ashbourne. the project will also support social and economic growth and development in areas which have seen significant growth in recent years."

Pat Wickham, Senior Executive Engineer with Meath County Council said, “This phase will require a significant traffic management plan, on the R155 towards Curragha, this is necessary for us to safely deliver this essential project. We would like to thank the local community, businesses and representative groups who have worked with us throughout this project and thank them for their patience as we progress into this phase”.

The project includes the construction of an elevated 4.7 million litre treated water storage reservoir and secondary disinfection system adjacent to the existing Windmill Hill reservoir.

Works are scheduled to be completed at the end of 2024

Uisce Éireann and Meath County Council will continue to update the local community as works progress.

Cathairleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Nick Killian said he was delighted that the works have commenced,pointing out the project would alleviate supply problems for all Ratoath and Kilbride Road residents.

"I would ask motorists for their patience with delays with traffic, which is well managed by the traffic management system.

"These works will give reassurance to the Ratoath business community, who have difficult years with the large amount of water outages. My wish is for the deadline of completion in 2024 will be maintained,” he said.