€20m of water network upgrades announced for town near Kildare border

€20 million worth of water network upgrades are on the way to a town located near the Kildare-Meath border.

According to Uisce Éireann (UE), construction is set to begin next week on a major water project in Enfield, which it claimed will ‘strengthen’ the town's water supply and also ‘create additional capacity to enable future housing and sustainable development’.

This project is being delivered to support social and economic growth, including planned residential development.

It will improve the supply capacity of the existing water network in the area, improving performance and reducing demands on the current network.

SUPPORT

One politician who has welcomed the news is Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD (Fianna Fáil).

Minister Browne called it ‘positive news for the county, but particularly the community of Enfield’.

He elaborated: “Upgrading the water infrastructure in the area will ensure the infrastructure needed to support the area’s development.

“Public water and wastewater services is essential to facilitating housing delivery as reflected in our new Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities.

“Continued investment is also essential to sustain and improve existing water infrastructure in local communities.”

He concluded: “This project will provide critical capacity to enable new homes and serve the needs of the community.”

Moreover, a programme manager with UE, Paul McLoughlin, also welcomed the commencement of works in Enfield.

He said: “We are delighted to be kicking off construction on this important upgrade.

“As the town continues to grow, investment in water infrastructure is essential to ensure communities have the services they need both now and into the future."

Mr McLoughlin added: “Strengthening and expanding the overall water network in the Enfield area will mean customers benefit from a more reliable water supply; it is an investment that will benefit the community for many years to come."

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES

From next week, UE’s crews will commence installation of almost 8km of new water main along the L5028 and L1007 roads, including a crossing underneath the M4 Motorway, with the final section along the R148 to the Lidl roundabout in Enfield.

UE explained: “To safely carry out these works, traffic management measures will be introduced in phases and planned to minimise disruption as much as possible.

“The first phase of works will require a temporary road closure in the Newtown area of Kildare on the L5028-1 (Kilbride Road) until December 2026.

“Diversions will be in place throughout this time; access for local residents, businesses and emergency services will be maintained.”

UE also said: “We know road closures affect daily routines, and we'd like to thank everyone in the community for the patience and support while we carry out this important work.”

Furthermore, UE revealed that the works will be carried out in phases on behalf of UE by Coffey Construction Limited and are expected to be completed by the end of Quarter 3 of 2027.

Lastly, UE encouraged customers to engage with it through its official website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, and its customer care helpline, which is open 24/7 at 1800 278 278.