Calls for review and upgrade of Kells town water infrastructure after recent bursts

A recent burst main in Kells left a local hotel without water on their busiest day of the year.

At this month’s meeting of Kells Municipal Area Council, Cllr Sarah Reilly outlined the problems faced by the business, when she raised the frequency of burst mains in the town over the last year and a half.

She proposed Meath County Council write to Uisce Eireann requesting that the water mains infrastructure serving Headfort Road and John Street, be reviewed and upgraded.

"Over the past 18 months, there have been at least eight bursts on this line. This points to an ongoing problem rather than isolated incidents.

"The most notable of these occurred on St Patrick’s Day, and there have been two further bursts since. The issue is continuing.

"We are all familiar with the inconvenience of a water outage. When it happens without warning, that disruption increases significantly, particularly for businesses that rely on a consistent supply.

"The impact on business can be considerable. This was clearly demonstrated on St Patrick’s Day, when a local hotel was left without water for a number of hours on one of its busiest days. Their account outlines the practical consequences:

“'As a result, the hotel’s main circulating water pump burned out when the water was cut off. Some One hundred guests were left without water to shower or use toilet facilities.

“A significant number of refunds were issued, and a total cost of €5,500 was incurred for plumbing works, a replacement pump, and guest compensation.

“We would strongly encourage that an upgrade to the system is scheduled as soon as possible to avoid a recurrence.'”

"This example reflects the broader issue—repeated bursts leading to unplanned outages, and a direct impact on local business," she said.

"Given the frequency of these incidents and their effects, it would be appropriate that we formally request that Uisce Eireann assess and upgrade the water mains infrastructure on Headfort Road and John Street as a priority."

Cllr Sean Drew supported the motion.

"A new water main is needed. I've written personally to Irish Water calling for a replacement main, but haven't received a substantial response," he said.

Cllr Drew said that in fairness to the water company, they had arrived at the burst on St Patrick's Day within two hours and worked all day to put it right.

Council officials agreed to write to Uisce Eireann.

Separately, Uisce Eireann has lodged a planning application for major development works at the Curraha Water Treatment Plant, at Knavinstown, Curraha.

A 10 year planning permission is sought for works including the construction of a new building (9.5m x 8.5m) with chemical dosing and filtration room, replacing the existing building which is to be demolished.