Leakage Reduction Programme works turning the tide of bursts in Malin Head

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

A major water network upgrade is on the way for Malin Head, with Uisce Éireann investment set to strengthen the local supply. More than 2.2 kilometres of ageing water mains in Keenagh and Umgall will be replaced with new, high quality pipes to support households and businesses across this northern Donegal community.

This investment will help reduce bursts and improve the overall performance of the water network for homes and businesses.  

Works will get underway next week, with crews carrying out the mains replacement project along the R242 and L1201, as well as the L1051 and L1031. 

As part of the works, new water service connections will also be installed for customers along the route. This project is being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s Leakage Reduction Programme, which aims to safeguard water resources and strengthen water infrastructure nationwide. 

Patricia Lowry, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, welcomed the start of the works and highlighted the benefits for the community in Malin Head. 

“These works are an important step in providing a stronger and more resilient water supply for everyone in the area. By replacing these ageing water mains, we are reducing bursts and improving day to day service for customers. We would like to thank the community for their cooperation while this essential work takes place.” 

Areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise the impact to customers. Traffic lights will be in place along the route for the duration of the works, followed by a planned road closure at Keenagh on the L1201 from 16 March to 30 April, 2026 to facilitate this phase of the project. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. 

Farrans Construction will deliver the project on behalf of Uisce Éireann and completion is expected by Autumn. Short-term interruptions to supply may be required and customers will be notified at least 48 hours in advance. 

Uisce Éireann’s long-term goal is to reduce leakage to 20%, and we are committed to achieving this through appropriate and targeted investment in our water network. 

To help achieve this, we are investing more than €1 billion up to the end of 2029 in the network, including leakage reduction measures. This planned investment will deliver further vital upgrades to the underground water network, reducing leakage, improving water quality, and providing a more reliable water supply for Irish homes and businesses.  

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.