Uisce Éireann Begins Magazine Road Water Mains Upgrade in Cork City

Uisce Éireann has begun replacing old and damaged cast iron water mains along Magazine Road and surrounding streets on the south side of Cork City, with the project expected to run until July 2026.

Works are taking place along Magazine Road, St Clares Avenue, and Highfield West, where crews are installing 750 metres of new, modern pipes to strengthen the local network and reduce disruption to homes and businesses.

The existing pipes were prone to bursts and leaks, leading to supply interruptions and the loss of treated drinking water. The replacement works are also described as a vital step in the ongoing improvement of Cork City's water quality.

Brian McCarthy, Uisce Éireann:

"Every pipe we replace is guided by one clear goal: providing a water supply people can count on. These improvements make a difference every single day, in every tap, home and throughout the community. By focusing on delivering a more reliable supply, we're helping to build a stronger, more resilient water service for the people in Cork City, for now and for generations to come."

Works will include installing new water service connections from the public water main to customers' property boundaries. The project is being delivered by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

To protect the public and workers, a traffic management system will be in place in the form of road closures. Local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.

Uisce Éireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme has seen national leakage fall from 49% in 2014 to 36% today, its lowest level ever. With more than 65,000 km of underground pipes nationally, enough to circle the earth one and a half times, tackling leaks remains a significant undertaking.

Customers with questions about the project can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or visit the Water Supply Updates section at water.ie.