THREE years of major repairs to water works in the Dublin region have cost around €660,000 per kilometre, with just 0.7% of the overall network having been upgraded.

The €40m job, which has affected just 60km of the total 8,000km network, is part of an overall effort to reduce the region's current water leakage level of 28%.

The rate of work also means that on average, repairs to just 1km of pipes takes an average of two-and-a-half weeks.

However, officials at Dublin City Council have defended what appears to be extremely slow and costly progress, insisting that the figures represent a multitude of costs.

"It is a snapshot that is mathematically correct but doesn't give a complete picture," said Tom Leahy, executive manager in charge of strategic planning for water services in Dublin City Council.

He explained that aside from constructions costs, numerous expenses exist including design and various pre-contract works including planning for the logistics of digging up roads.

While the price of the initial works appears extreme, council officials point out that the cost and speed per kilometre of repairs will improve as it goes on.

Three years of works also involves considerable pre-planning which means actual construction does not begin for some time.

"When we have it designed we must make applications to the Department of the Environment for approval to sign contracts," said Leahy.

"The pace at which we move is dictated by the approval system of central government which in turn is constrained by the situation with national finances. If we had the money we would move a lot faster."

Things have improved however. In 2002, the completion of the Dublin Region Water Conservation Project drastically reduced water loss levels from a high of 42.5% to just 28% at a cost of €50m.

About 1.6 million people live in the region, about 40% of the whole population. It takes in all of the capital, north Wicklow and 90% of Kildare.

"The studies at that stage said we would never get below that figure until we replaced the network," said Leahy.

"Over the last three years we have rehabilitated 60km of the water system in Dublin. The Dublin region has a kilometre range of 8,000 in the network."

It is estimated that in order to finish the job the council will require funding in excess of €20m a year, every year for the next decade.