Longford water crisis: Uisce Éireann say replacing problematic stretch in Ballymahon area is a 'priority'

Uisce Éireann has said a planned project in the Ballymahon Municipal District area to address frequent water outages is currently in the final stages of the tender process and it is a 'priority' for them.

The water utility issued a response following frequent water outages in the south county Longford area and significant disruption to local residents and businesses.

There were eight pipe bursts in 11 days between May 9 and May 20 in the wide area which stretches from Ballymahon, Forgney, Ardagh to Edgeworthstown.

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Local Fine Gael Councillor Paul Ross said it had 'just gone to crisis point'.

An Uisce Éireann spokeswoman said regrettably, there has been a sequence of unplanned water supply disruptions to customers in the Ballymahon area due to frequent bursts on an ageing trunk water main.

"We understand how disruptive these unplanned outages can be, and we regret the inconvenience they have caused.

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"When any unplanned outage occurs, our crews are dispatched immediately to carry out repairs and restore normal supply as quickly as possible.

"We appreciate the ongoing patience of our affected customers as we work to resolve the issue with the trunk main."

 The Uisce Éireann spokeswoman said regarding, Ardagh it is in an elevated area and has historically had pressure issues. 

"The supply to Ardagh comes from the Richmond reservoir and is pumped to a station at Ardoghill.

"The way the network was originally configured means the water is then pumped around the back-of-the-hill towards Ardagh village.  

"Following repair works, it typically takes three to four hours for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas as the water refills the network, especially for those on higher ground or at the end of the network it can take longer.

"As part of the National Leakage Reduction Programme, Uisce Éireann is currently in the final stages of the tender process for a project that will replace over 5.4 km of old and problematic water mains prone to frequent bursts and outages along the N55 between Carrickedmond and Ballymahon. 

"Due to the frequent bursts on this section of the network, Uisce Éireann has prioritised this project.

"Once the necessary regulatory requirements are completed and before this project moves to construction, Uisce Éireann will proactively communicate clear details of the project to the local community and related stakeholders in the area.

Uisce Éireann said water services crews will continue to find and repair bursts on the network as soon as they become aware of them and restore normal water supply for our customers as quickly as possible. 

The water utility also responded to criticism from people in the Ardagh area over their communication.

"Uisce Éireann carry out extensive communications to ensure all stakeholders are updated.

"Uisce Éireann proactively issues press releases to print, broadcast, and online media outlets and news desks in Longford in advance of any significant outages, water restrictions (planned works, water supply interruptions, boil water notices or do not consume notices) and project milestones etc.

"Our press releases and updates are issued to all media outlets in Longford, to all Elected Reps in Longford, the Contact Centre, promoted on social media and on our website.

"All press releases that are issued to the media are also shared with Councillors, TDs and Senators (all Elected Representatives) via Uisce Éireann’s Local Rep Support Desk as well as local business stakeholders in the area including local branches of Chambers Ireland etc. 

"The Uisce Éireann website is updated with press release content and our Water Supply Updates portal, which is on the homepage and is the most frequently visited page on the website, is updated with the latest information.

"We utilise our social media channels to assist in communicating to our customers and use X and Facebook for geographically targeted posts when appropriate to do so.

Uisce Éireann said they have a customer care team available 24-7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, customers can visit the service and supply section of www.water.ie  

Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at the text alerts page.  

Uisce Éireann advises that, as best practice, homes, and businesses have on-site water storage tanks to provide a backup source of water for sanitation purposes in the event of a water outage.

However, they said they understand this may not always be feasible.