ADRIGOLE residents have welcomed news that a troublesome water mains will be replaced to end longstanding problems with outages in the area.

Householders were left without water 15 times in the past year alone, in some cases with taps running dry for up to 12 days.

In the latest development, design and construction to replace 2km of water mains from Adrigole village to the treatment plant has been given the go-ahead, according to Cork South West TD Christopher O’Sullivan (FF). He said Uisce Éireann handed a work order to their contractor last week after completing a needs assessment.

‘The contractor carried out a site walk last week, and has now commenced design,’ Minister O’Sullivan said. ‘It is expected this work will be completed by the end of quarter two of this year.

‘When I met resident before Christmas, I promised that I’d get a resolution to this issue, and I’m really delighted to see it followed through.’

The source of residents’ frustration was an old water mains along the Healy Pass road, which burst countless times despite frequent repairs by Uisce Éireann.

A packed meeting at the end of November saw 120 residents declare their frustration, with many fearing they could be left without water over Christmas and the new year.

Kieran O’Shea, of Adrigole Water Action Group, said: ‘We are delighted with the announcement and hope that the work begins as soon as possible, and that the pipe is replaced. It is fantastic to see that Uisce Éireann is committed to replacing it. It’s a great breakthrough.’