Ireland’s water network spans over 65,000km — enough to wrap around the globe one and a half times. Yet much of this essential infrastructure is hidden beneath our streets, and leakage remains one of the biggest challenges facing the system. 

In this episode of Uisce Matters, host Orlaith Blaney is joined by Alan Milton, Head of Water Network Management at Uisce Éireann Irish Water, for a behind the scenes look at how leakage happens and how it’s managed. Alan explains the difference between a leak and a burst, why many of the most problematic leaks are hidden deep underground, and how Uisce Éireann prioritises repairs when hundreds of leaks are being fixed every week across the country. 

The conversation also explores the realities of leak detection on a national network — from the traditional skill of listening for water escaping from pipes to nighttime working and the use of new and emerging technologies, from smart meters and acoustic sensors to satellite detection. At its core, this episode is about scale, expertise and persistence — and the ongoing effort required to manage leakage and protect Ireland’s water supply. 

Ireland’s drinking water is of a consistently high quality — but ensuring it stays that way relies on rigorous monitoring, science and regulation.

In this episode of Uisce Matters, host Orlaith Blaney speaks with Dr Pat O’Sullivan, Drinking Water Compliance Senior Manager at Uisce Éireann Irish Water, about the substances that can make their way into water systems, from everyday household chemicals, to narcotics, to emerging industrial compounds. Pat explains how modern lifestyles influence what shows up in wastewater and source waters — and how those substances are assessed long before water reaches the tap.

The conversation explores how monitoring works in practice, why some headlines can sound alarming without the full context, and how public health risk is evaluated using robust science.

He also discusses specific issues people often worry about in their own homes, including lead in older plumbing, and emerging concerns like PFAS — outlining what is currently known, what is being monitored, and how regulation continues to evolve. At its core, this episode is about transparency, trust and reassurance — and how science, monitoring and regulation work together to protect the quality of our drinking water.

Ireland’s water and wastewater systems are largely invisible — buried beneath our roads, footpaths and communities — yet they are among the most vital assets we share. In this episode of Uisce Matters, Angela Ryan, Asset Strategy Senior Manager at Uisce Éireann/Irish Water and one of the original secondees to the Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, explores why understanding and investing in that hidden network has never been more important.

Angela joins host Orlaith to explore the practical realities of delivering water and wastewater infrastructure in Ireland. She reflects on the pressures facing the system today — from ageing assets and evolving environmental standards to population growth and the legacy of long‑term underinvestment — and how these factors combine to create what she describes as a “perfect storm” of need.

The conversation goes beyond engineering and funding to examine the barriers that slow progress. Angela discusses why infrastructure delivery can be disruptive, why public acceptance of short-term inconvenience is often essential for the common good, and how delays and lengthy lead-in times can prevent investment from going further.

She also explains how prioritisation works in practice, what it means for communities waiting for upgrades, and why breaking cultural, planning, and perception barriers is just as important as securing capital investment. At its core, this episode is about visibility, trust and shared responsibility.

As Angela highlights, these are shared assets, owned by the people of Ireland, and breaking down the barriers to delivering them is key to securing a safe, resilient and sustainable water future.

Join host Orlaith Blaney as she talks with Stephen Burke, Regional Water Operations Senior Manager at Uisce Éireann/Irish Water about the intricate world of water services in Ireland. From his roots on a Limerick farm to overseeing water supplies for more than 1.7 million people across Dublin, Meath, Louth, Kildare, and Wicklow, Stephen shares a unique perspective on what it takes to keep the taps flowing. 

Explore the challenges of maintaining Dublin’s Victorian-era water network, the vital role of treatment plants like Ballymore Eustace, and the growing demand for water in the Greater Dublin Area. Learn what’s being done today to secure supply for tomorrow. 

Whether you’re curious about engineering, sustainability, or the unseen effort behind every glass of water, this episode offers practical insights, personal stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people safeguarding Ireland’s water future. 

In this episode of Uisce Matters, host Orlaith Blaney sits down with Jean Hobbs, Senior Programme Manager at Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant, to explore the personal and professional journey behind one of Ireland’s most critical infrastructure roles.

Coming from a long line of engineers, Jean shares her passion for water and the challenges of managing a system that treats 40% of the country’s wastewater. She reflects on her studies at Trinity College and her commitment to educating others on the importance of thinking before you flush — just the three P’s: pee, poo, and paper — a simple action that protects our environment and keeps systems running smoothly.

Listeners will also discover Jean’s love of sea swimming and her perspective on enjoying Dublin Bay responsibly, with an emphasis on awareness and care. This conversation underscores the urgency of projects like the Greater Dublin Drainage Project.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion about expertise, environmental responsibility, and making a difference.

Niall Gleeson, Uisce Éireann CEO joins Orlaith Blaney in this debut episode of Uisce Matters for an honest and engaging conversation about water in Ireland: where it comes from, how it’s kept safe, and why it matters to all of us.   

Niall shares his journey from tinkering with radios as a child to managing water and energy systems around the world and ultimately returning home to lead Ireland’s national utility. You’ll hear stories of global experience, local impact, and the everyday challenges of delivering clean, safe water to millions.   

From fixing leaks and building treatment plants to planning for climate change and population growth, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Ireland’s most vital services. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you turn on the tap, this is the podcast for you.