Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy has welcomed the replacement of lead service connections in the Blackrock area to provide a more reliable water supply and improve water quality. The project is a collaboration project between Irish Water Cork City Council.

Works are due to be undertaken on the Blackrock Road (greenway crossing to pier), Church Avenue, Glandore Avenue, Post Office Avenue, the Marina, Castle Road, Convent Avenue, Rope Walk, Upper Convent Road, Castle Avenue, Sandy Lane and Dunloe Cottages. This will involve the replacement of existing lead pipes connecting the public water network to a customer’s property with modern polyethylene (plastic) pipes. Property owners will be notified if it is likely that there is lead present within the boundary of their property. Property owners are responsible for replacing this lead.

Cllr McCarthy noted: “These works have been called for by local residents for a long time. Works are limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers. They may involve some short-term water outages. It is crucial though that the project team engage on the ground and ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours prior notice of any planned water outages. A local traffic management needs to be put in place. It is important that emergency traffic and local traffic, including deliveries, are maintained at all times”.

Residents and businesses in the areas to benefit from the planned improvements will be notified directly and customers can phone Irish Water on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project.