Works on watermain installation works keeping some residents awake at night, says former Lord Mayor

Noise during works on water pipe replacements in the city is keeping some residents awake at night and measures are required to ensure work schedules “are more balanced with residents’ lives”, according to a former lord mayor.

Outgoing councillor Mick Finn said the noise levels due to the works for Uisce Éireann along Sullivan’s Quay are proving disruptive to some local residents’ sleep.

“Trenches are dug out and works carried out at nighttime, filled in again and dug out again the following night… all in an effort to keep all lanes of traffic open.

“I’m sure there are ways in which some of this work could be done during the day with traffic diverted and some lanes remaining open,” Mr Finn said.

Mr Finn, who stood down at the recent elections, said he understood the work needed to be done to improve water quality in the area and that if all the work took place during the day, businesses could be frustrated.

“Surely we can have a compromise situation where the works can start a bit earlier perhaps and finish at midnight, allowing residents in a very wide catchment where this noise is audible the chance to sleep,” he said.

A spokesperson for Uisce Éireann said it is not possible for works to be carried out during the day.

“Watermain installation works at Sullivan’s Quay commenced on Monday 10 June. 

“These works are carried out Monday to Thursday, 7pm to 6am, per the conditions of the road closure licence as granted by Cork City Council. 

“Due to the complexity of the works required and the potential impact on traffic flow for the wider community, it is unfortunately not possible to carry out these works during the day,” they said.

“We appreciate that nightworks are inconvenient for the affected community. 

“Our contractor on the project is endeavouring to minimise noise disruption as much as possible, and efforts are being made to carry out the most disruptive works at the beginning of the shift. 

“However, due to the large volume of underground services which necessitate careful excavation, this is not always possible.

“A vacuum excavator is being used as part of the works. 

“Vacuum excavators utilise suction and air to remove soil and debris from around underground utilities - reducing the risk of damaging underground utilities, allowing for faster and more precise digging, minimising disruption to surrounding areas, and improving safety for crews and the public,” the spokesperson continued.

They added that the contractor issued letters of notification to surrounding homes and businesses in advance of nightworks commencing.

“The Cork City South Quays projects is progressing ahead of schedule, with watermains installation works completed at South Terrace and George’s Quay,” they said.

“Works started at Sullivan’s Quay on June 10 and are anticipated to take seven weeks to complete, depending on ground conditions.”