Building for the future: €3 million Ballina water network upgrade gets underway

Uisce Éireann is continuing its investment in Ballina with a significant upgrade of ageing water mains set to get underway in the coming days, helping to support the town’s continued growth and development. 

More than 1.1km of water mains will be replaced along McDermott Street, delivering a stronger, more reliable water network for local homes and businesses, while creating the capacity needed to support new housing and economic development in the area. 

This important project, delivered under Uisce Éireann’s Growth and Development Programme, will future proof Ballina’s water infrastructure, ensuring the town is well positioned to grow, attract investment, and meet the needs of the growing population. 

Phase one of the project, which saw 250 metres of water main replaced from Ballina Reservoir to the junction with Slí Ectra, was completed at the end of last year. Crews will now continue along McDermott Street, progressing down towards the town centre to the junction with Teeling Street.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD, said: “This work marks another important step in supporting Ballina’s continued development. By strengthening the capacity and resilience of the water network, this project will help unlock new housing and support economic growth in the town. Investment in water services is critical to delivering sustainable communities, as set out in our Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities.”

Michael McManus, Uisce Éireann Programme Manager, highlighted the long-term benefits for the town. 

“We are delighted to be back in Ballina to continue this important upgrade."

“This project will provide a more reliable supply for customers, reduce the risk of bursts and leakage, and ensure the network can meet future demand as the town continues to grow. It builds on a number of successful projects already delivered in Ballina with others proposed including an upgrade to the Ballina and Lough Talt Water Supply.” 

Work phases: 
Phase 1: Ballina Reservoir to Slí Ectra – completed 
Phase 2: Slí Ectra to Fenian Row (daytime lane closure between Fenian Row and Slí Ectra. Right turn only on Fenian Row for traffic approaching McDermott St. Commencing 15 June for approximately two weeks) 
Phase 3: Fenian Row to Mercy Road (road closure from Monday 29 June to Friday, 21 August. Diversions via Fenian Row, Lord Edward Street and Mercy Road) 
Phase 4: Mercy Row to Convent Hill (night works for two weeks commencing in August with lane closure)
Phase 5: Convent Hill to Teeling Street (dayworks for approximately five weeks commencing in September with lane closure)

Farrans Construction will carry out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann. Traffic management measures will be in place as required, including lane closures and localised road closures with diversions in place as outlined above. To reduce disruption, nighttime working will be carried out during some phases. Emergency access will be maintained at all times. 

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed. We encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channel @IWCare and our customer care helpline, which is open 24/7 at 1800 278 278. A dedicated site agent has been assigned to the project to answer queries. 

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.