Uisce Eireann Responds To Enniscorthy Criticism

Uisce Eireann says it maintains a good working relationship with Wexford County Council and is in constant contact.

The utility company was criticised by the members of the Enniscorthy Municipal District this week for failing to inform representatives of upcoming works.

Councillors also accused the company of leaving the roads in a mess when works are completed.

In a statement to South East Radio, the semi state agency says it meets with Wexford Roads Department on a regular basis for planned works such as the Leakage Reduction Programme, and also for reactive maintenance works.

It also says crews carry out temporary and permanent reinstatement works once their job is finished and it monitors the roads afterwards "to ensure reinstatement is progressed in line with expected standards and in accordance with the conditions of the Road Opening Licence issued by Wexford Roads Authority."

Members of the Enniscorthy Municipal Council are set to write to the utility company over issues with what they call shoddy work around the town.

Councillors complained that water officials were not notifying them ahead of works being carried out and then leaving the roads in a state once the work was complete.

Councillor John O'Rourke says council officials are having to pick up the pieces and take the blame for works they had no hand, act or part in.

You can read the full statement below:

"Uisce Éireann teams meet with Wexford Roads Department on a regular basis for planned works such as the Leakage Reduction Programme, and also for reactive maintenance works completed by asset operations.  

In relation to Asset Operations, the Roads and Utilities team, together with the Water Network Operations Manager, meet with Wexford Roads Department to advise them of Uisce Éireann works in the area. Planned works are discussed and agreed, and the necessary road opening licences are planned, applied for and approved. 

Roads & Utilities and Asset Operations went live with Road Opening Licences on 23rd March 2026, since then a total of 329 licences has been raised throughout Co. Wexford, with over half of these for emergency repairs.  The Roads & Utilities team are in regular contact with the District Engineers by telephone and the team have formally met with the Director of Service and Senior Engineer of Roads this year. 

Where works are underway, temporary reinstatement is carried out during the course of the works, with permanent reinstatement completed once works have concluded. Crews continue to monitor the area to ensure reinstatement is progressed in line with expected standards and in accordance with the conditions of the Road Opening Licence issued by Wexford Roads Authority. Please note that timelines for temporary and permanent reinstatement works are subject to suitable weather conditions. 

Through the on-going delivery of the water main replacement project in Vinegar Hill in Enniscorthy, Uisce Éireann have and will maintain close collaboration and working relationships with the relevant engineers as required. The project involves replacing more than 1.6km ageing water mains with new, modern pipes. The work will increase the capacity of the existing water network, improve performance, and provide a more resilient water supply for a growing population. 

For operational works, reactive or emergency road opening licences may be granted. The same reinstatement principles apply following completion of the works. 

With reference to communications, for planned works, such as Leakage Reduction Programme works, Uisce Éireann proactively communicates clear project information to the local community and relevant stakeholders in advance of construction commencing. This includes elected representatives, who can then share the information with their constituents.  Project information is also made available on water.ie."

That report was funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.