Meath’s water problems get a €40m boost as Uisce Éireann says Navan upgrade will generate “reliable and sustainable water supply”

Royal County’s supply issues and recurring outages have been a regular point of contention for households and local businesses in recent months.

Now it appears these reservations could be relaxed, particularly in the greater Navan area, following an announcement by the water company to spend more than €40 million between Meath’s largest town and that of Duleek, almost 20km away .

In a statement, utilities said the €41 million investment would “secure” water supplies for local homeowners and businesses.

It said a new 16-kilometre regional water main and pumping station will not only maintain water supplies to Navan if there is a planned or unplanned disruption at Navan’s Liscarton water treatment plant, but will also “support social and economic growth” .

Uisce Éireann program manager William McKnight said he could not overestimate the importance of the project to the local community.

“We look forward to starting construction on this vital project for the people of Navan. When completed, this new infrastructure will provide a reliable and sustainable water supply, while the increased capacity will support the future growth and development of the city, which has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years.”

Galway firm Coffey Construction Ltd will deliver the project on behalf of Uisce Éireann with a completion date of late 2025.

To facilitate the eight-figure development, a number of road closures have been announced, with Meath County Council approving the closure of the L1610 between Bolies Little and N2 at Balrath from yesterday (May 1) to August 21.

Local authority chiefs have said the work will take place Monday to Friday between 7am and 7pm, with local signposted diversions in place, with local and emergency access maintained at all times.