More than 10km of asbestos pipes in Cork City water system, says Uisce Éireann

Asked if works to replace asbestos pipes have been completed since 2020 and about a timeline for replacement, Uisce Éireann said that ingesting asbestos through drinking water does not pose a health risk, so the company does not prioritise replacement works. File picture 

There are more than 10km of asbestos pipes in Cork City, according to State utility firm Uisce Éireann, who will not confirm if there are any plans in place to replace them.

An Uisce Éireann spokesperson confirmed at a meeting with Cork City councillors this week that about 1.8% of the 600km of mains in Cork City are cement-bound asbestos, which equates to 10.7km.

In total, 4km of pipes in the Cork City South Central ward, 2.2km in the North West ward, 1.9km in the South East ward, 1.7km in the South West ward, and 0.9km in the North East ward are asbestos.

The information was provided to Labour councillor Peter Horgan, who asked the utility company how many kilometres of pipes in Cork City are asbestos pipes, and for a replacement timeline. Uisce Éireann did not provide details on plans for replacement.

In 2020, it was reported that there were more than 5,100 kilometres of asbestos water pipes in Ireland. Of these, 22% were in Cork city and county, nearly double the amount in greater Dublin.

Asked if works to replace asbestos pipes have been completed since 2020 and about a timeline for replacement, Uisce Éireann said that ingesting asbestos through drinking water does not pose a health risk, so the company does not prioritise replacement works.

A spokesperson said: “In recent years, Uisce Éireann has accelerated mains replacement works in Cork city, with priority areas identified based on factors such as network condition, age, and operational performance, and addressed through a combination of mains replacement, targeted rehabilitation, and wider network improvements.

“Sustained and targeted investment will continue... to ensure higher-risk areas are prioritised, coordinating with other city works and all statutory obligations.”

The spokesperson added: “There is no evidence to suggest that asbestos cement water pipes pose a risk to public health. Asbestos is only hazardous when fibres become airborne, which is not the case when pipes are in normal operation within the water network.

“When repairs are required on older asbestos cement pipes, they are carried out by trained crews in line with strict health and safety procedures.”

Mr Horgan said: “We should have a dedicated, ringfenced asbestos pipe fund to ensure they are replaced as a matter of priority. We should remove all traces of asbestos — airborne or waterborne.”