Water projects in full flow... €7 million upgrade of the water infrastructure in Dunboyne

Uisce Éireann starts a €7 million upgrade of the water infrastructure in Dunboyne this week, following years of water supply problems in the village.

The work comes as a welcome relief to residents and businesses in the area who have endured regular water outages over the last few years and some of whom were without water for 28 days last January.

Many local households also found themselves without any water supply on Christmas Day and over the New Year period.

Cllr Caroline O'Reilly said this investment was badly needed. “I look forward to seeing the improvements it brings.

“This has long been presented as the solution to Dunboyne’s water supply issues, so it’s very welcome to see the project finally getting underway. Let’s hope it delivers for all residents.

“While many people will benefit from these upgrades, I am still dealing with cases where residents experience low water pressure or, at times, no water at all. Those residents cannot be forgotten so I really hope this upgrade resolves issues for the Kilbreena area in particular.

“I will continue to work with Uisce Éireann and residents to ensure the issues affecting all parts of the community are addressed.”

Cllr Maria Murphy said the work was very necessary. “This is part of a plan to bring the main tot he Summerhill road. It is good news for the village. For the past four years or more there have been problems with water outages and shortages in Dunboyne, We had zoned land for 2000 houses but no improvement to the water mains.

“This work is welcome news. It will cause some disruption but there will not be road closures just stop and go delays.”

Cllr Murphy said she wanted to acknowledge the work done by Uisce Eireann in fixing leaks in Dunboyne since Christmas which has seen a big improvement in the supply in the area.”

The works, which began yesterday (Monday) are being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s Growth and Development Programme, with almost 3km of water mains to be installed.

According to Uisce Éireann the project is being delivered to support social and economic growth, including planned residential development.

Minister for Housing, James Browne said: “This is positive news for the county but particularly the community of Dunboyne. Upgrading the water infrastructure in the area will ensure the infrastructure needed to support the area’s development,” he said.

Michael McManus, Programme Manager, Uisce Éireann, welcomed the progression of the works in Dunboyne saying it will improve the supply capacity of the existing water network in the area, improve performance and reduce demands on the current network.

“We understand this type of work can be inconvenient and work crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these works may cause.”

The works involve the installation of approximately 3km of water mains between the connection point on the R147 near Kilsaran, crossing underneath the M3, running south-east on Pace Road, through private lands to the R157 Parkway roundabout. It will then run south-west on the R157 where it will terminate at the roundabout junction of Summerhill Road.

The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by GMC Utilities Ltd. and are expected to be fully completed by June 2027. The works may involve some short-term water interruptions, and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.