More than 40% of Louth’s water supply is being lost through leaks, according to new figures obtained by RTÉ.
It has been revealed that 40.3% of the supply in the Wee County is going to waste.
Despite this discovery, it is hoped to reduce the figure by just 2% by the end of this year to 38.3% – a figure broadly in line with what other local authorities hope to achieve by the end of 2015.
Irish Water has said it will reduce the amount of water lost by fixing and replacing pipes and by reducing pressure in some parts of the network.
Louth has one of the biggest problems in region with neighbouring counties such as Cavan (35%), Dublin (33%), Meath (30.8%) and Monaghan (29%) all experiencing fewer leakages.
Irish Water said fixing leaks in the water system is going to be a slow and systematic process that will take many years.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Jerry Grant, Head of Assets at Irish Water, said pressure management will be a crucial part of this process.
Mr Grant denied that reducing pressure in certain areas will result in a reduction in flow.
He said he could reassure customers that Irish Water would maintain an appropriate pressure at the tap.
However, he said fixing the numerous leaks in the system will take time.
