WATER mains in Ballinascarthy and Shannonvale are to be replaced in a move that residents and businesses hope will bring an end to years of outages and poor water quality.

Uisce Éireann’s water network management team has committed to an immediate review of the infrastructure in the area.

The utilities company’s initial review has determined that at least 800m of pipe will need to be replaced - but this may extend to up to 3kms.

‘They have now prioritised these mains for replacement and are working on determining the final scope of works,’ Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said.

The Fianna Fáil Minister held a public meeting in January where he heard from countless people who voiced their frustrations.

‘I am absolutely delighted for the people of Ballinascarthy and Shannonvale who over the last two Christmases have had no water,’ he said.

Fine Gael Senator Noel O’Donovan also welcomed news that a solution to Ballinascarthy and Shannonvale’s water mains misery could be in the pipeline.

He said it was ‘positive’ that UE had confirmed they would prioritise mains replacement in the area as part of their 2026 scheme of works having reassigned capital funding from other projects.

‘This is a big step forward in solving the matter for residents,’ he said. ‘They have endured countless water breaks for years. What they have gone through is simply unacceptable.’

There was positive news too for Adrigole residents as Uisce Éireann confirmed the water mains project there was moving to the next stage.

The area has endured as many as 30 outages in less than a year – the most recent report of a water disruption was less than two weeks ago.

UE said the assessment of need and preliminary design phase to replace old pipes in the network had been completed and site investigation works are due in March.

The works will inform the detailed design of the scheme and ‘determine the most appropriate construction method’.

‘This project is critically important for local residents and businesses,’ said Senator O’Donovan. ‘Reliable and resilient water infrastructure is essential for the continued development of Adrigole and the wider Beara area.’

Following completion of the site investigation works, Uisce Éireann said it will host a community information briefing in advance of construction. This engagement is expected to take place in early April. Construction is expected to start in the summer with a completion target date of end of July 2026.

In another positive move, the government’s developer-led wastewater infrastructure initiative moved from policy approval to full implementation last week.

It is being described as a key measure in unlocking housing supply and accelerating delivery in West Cork in areas including Dunmanway and Clonakilty.

The new regulations introduce a streamlined registration system for developments of up to 40 homes or a population of 150.

‘This is a key step to increase housing supply, particularly in rural and regional Ireland, where many towns either lack wastewater treatment or are at capacity,’  Minister O’Sullivan said.

‘Dunmanway is a clear example. For years, planning permissions have stalled because the local plant is full, and an upgrade is still five to seven years away. This policy provides an immediate, practical solution.’

Developers will be able to proceed with small-scale projects by installing their own EPA-regulated treatment systems, ensuring full environmental compliance while longer-term upgrades are delivered.

Minister O’Sullivan said: ‘This initiative will drive wastewater capacity where it’s needed most.’