Kevin Love: The engineer powering Leitrim’s water supply

Meet Kevin Love, the man ensuring nearly 24,000 Uisce Éireann customers across Leitrim enjoy a safe, reliable water supply. As Water Treatment Operations Manager, Kevin leads a team of 20 dedicated professionals, tackling everything from burst pipes to water treatment challenges, all while planning for a more sustainable and resilient future.

During Engineers Week, Kevin reflects on his 20-year career in water services—one that started with a Civil Engineering degree and a hands-on role mapping Leitrim’s vast 1,300 km water network. That experience laid the foundation for his current work, where no two days are ever the same.

Kevin’s journey began at Sligo IT, where he honed the problem-solving skills that now shape his daily work. Whether it’s repairing a water mains burst, optimizing pump station energy use, or responding to chemical fluctuations in treatment plants, he thrives on the dynamic, ever-changing challenges of frontline water operations.

"You have to think on your feet, adapt quickly, and problem-solve constantly," Kevin says. "It makes the days fly by, and I wouldn’t have it any other way."

With demand rising in South Leitrim, Kevin and his team are focused on reducing water loss and maximizing resources at the Carrick-on-Shannon Water Treatment Plant, which is now operating at full capacity.

"Every litre saved matters. We urge the public to report leaks—they play a crucial role in protecting our water supply," he explains.

Since joining Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water) in 2014, Kevin has witnessed firsthand how the national utility has transformed water services in Ireland.

"Bringing 31 local authorities together under one national entity has ensured consistent service and improved efficiency," he says.

Looking ahead, he welcomes the National Water Resources Plan (NWRP)—a 25-year blueprint for safeguarding water supply in the face of growing demand and extreme weather events.

"The NWRP is key to balancing supply and demand while safeguarding the environment," Kevin explains. "Recent storms have shown how vulnerable some sites can be. We’re working hard to strengthen infrastructure, whether that’s through alternative power supplies or mobile backup systems, ensuring communities always have access to clean water."

As a Ballymote resident, Kevin understands the challenges facing Leitrim and the North West in maintaining a secure water supply—both now and in the future.

"It means being able to provide for alternative power supplies at fixed sites and mobile sites, depending on where storms hit, so it’s about building resilience into those sites. In Leitrim, many of the sites do not have fixed-term generators due to their location. But we’re committed to delivering for our customers and ensuring that we’re providing a dependable and resilient service."

For those considering a career in engineering, Kevin has one piece of advice: Go for it!

"I got a job straight out of college and never looked back. It’s a wide-ranging career with endless opportunities—challenging, rewarding, and never dull."

With passionate professionals like Kevin at the helm, Leitrim’s water future is in good hands.

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