PHOTOS: 300 workers help fix 15 leaks to major Kildare water pipe

Uisce Éireann has successfully completed a major repair programme on the Ballymore Eustace to Saggart trunk watermain, with works finished within the planned 27-hour timeframe and minimal disruption to customers across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

More than 300 workers were involved in the operation since Friday night, delivering the largest repair programme undertaken on the strategically important pipeline to date.

Following completion of the works, treated water is now flowing through the pipeline and the network is returning to normal operation.

The repairs involved fixing 15 leaks and replacing a damaged section of pipe, helping to reduce water loss and strengthen the reliability of a key supply route.

The pipeline transports approximately 220 million litres of treated drinking water every day, supplying homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and essential services across the three counties.

Previous repair programmes carried out in 2024 and 2025 have already saved around 1.5 million litres of water per day through leakage reduction. Uisce Éireann said the latest works will further support efforts to protect water supplies and improve network resilience.

Nicola Butler, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, said the priority throughout the weekend was to complete the repairs safely while minimising disruption for customers.

“This was a significant undertaking involving months of planning and coordination, with hundreds of people working around the clock to complete the repairs,” she said.

Ms Butler thanked local communities and landowners for their cooperation during the operation, along with customers for continuing to conserve water during the dry weather.

The company said its customer care team remains available 24/7 on 1800 278 278, while customers can also contact Uisce Éireann on X through @IWCare.

Customers can sign up for free text alerts using their Eircode and mobile number to receive updates on local water supply issues.