Disruptions as Irish Water begins work in Ennis from Monday

THERE will be a period of traffic disruption in Ennis town centre from this Monday, May 16, and throughout the summer as Irish Water begins work on replacing the watermains.

With Clare County Council due to progress with the county town’s public realm enhancement project, Irish Water is commencing its infrastructure upgrades ahead of these improvements.

The Council has given notice of a road closure on High Street from the Junction of Salt House Lane to the Height. High Street to be closed with diversion via Old Friary Lane (reversed direction).

Before the public realm enhancement project gets underway, Irish Water will replace aged watermains at High Street, Bank Place, O’Connell Square and O’Connell Street, to provide a more reliable water supply, reduce high levels of leakage and improve water quality.

Gerry O’Donnell, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead with Irish Water, said “We are aware that works of this nature can cause some disruption. We would like to assure the public that, together with Clare County Council and our contractor, Shareridge Ltd., we will be closely liaising and engaging with local businesses and residents to minimise any inconvenience over the course of the works.

“Local businesses in the area have been contacted and briefed on the planned works. Throughout the project, deliveries will be facilitated though a dedicated liaison officer for the project.

Areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers and businesses near the works. O’Connell Street will be closed to through traffic for a period of the works however deliveries and associated services will be facilitated for the duration.

Senior Engineer with Clare County Council, Sean Lenihan, said, “The works may involve some short-term interruptions to the water supply. The project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned interruption.

“We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient. Works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause.

“The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply.”

The upgrade of the water network, being carried out by Shareridge Ltd. on behalf of Irish Water, is being completed ahead of the Clare County Council public realm regeneration works in the area. The section of works will take place from High Street through O’Connell Square/Bank Place to Station Road until mid-August.