Uisce Éireann is mobilising specialist crews for its biggest-ever repair operation, with critical works scheduled on the Ballymore Eustace to Saggart trunk watermain over the August bank holiday weekend.

The planned intervention is the latest step in a wider programme to reinforce the pipeline, curb leakage and reduce the risk of future bursts.

This largely unseen 25km artery delivers around 220 million litres of treated drinking water every day to homes, businesses, hospitals, schools and essential services, underpinning daily life across parts of Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

Across an intensive 27-hour repair window, teams will tackle several significant leaks and replace a damaged section of main. Earlier phases completed in 2024 and 2025 have already reduced losses by about 1.5 million litres per day while improving network resilience. Nicola Butler, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, said: "Most people will never see this 25km trunk pipeline, yet it plays a fundamental role in everyday life. It is one of the most important pieces of water infrastructure in the country and helps supply drinking water to approximately 1.7 million people across parts of Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

"What makes these works unique is their scale. The operation will bring together almost 300 personnel, including specialist engineers, technicians, operational crews and network experts, working around the clock throughout the repair window of 27 hours to complete the works safely and return the pipeline to service."

The works come at a time when supply remains under pressure, making the protection of every litre of treated drinking water more important than ever. Repairing these leaks is part of broader efforts to cut water loss, safeguard resources and protect customer supplies amid rising demand and nationwide conservation measures.