ALERT: Uisce Éireann warns over 500,000 homes still at risk of losing water due to Storm Éowyn

Uisce Éireann has warned that over 500,000 homes are still at risk of losing their water supply as the country copes with the damage caused by Storm Éowyn.

As of Friday afternoon, around 60,000 people across the country are without water and a further 500,000 people are still at risk. The number of people without water is likely to increase throughout Friday due to the widespread power outages at treatment plans and pumping stations which is impacting water supplies.

The effected areas are spread throughout the country, with large areas without water across Cork, Kerry, Galway, Limerick, Carlow, Kilkenny, Longford and Tipperary. 

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Uisce Éireann said that updates on local supply issues will be provided on the Úisce Eireann website as they become available.

Uisce Eireann repair crews have begun restoration works in areas where the status red weather warning has been lifted.

Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann Margaret Attridge has warned that service disruptions may last a number of days for some households and businesses.

She said: "This is an unprecedented storm event that has had a severe impact on our water and wastewater network nationwide. We are still assessing the full extent of the disruption to supplies.

"Our crews will work around the clock where it is safe to do so to restore water service as quickly as possible, but given the extent of the damage, it may take some time before full service is restored everywhere. We ask for the public’s continued patience during this challenging time."

People are being urged to conserve water amid the challenging supply issue. Attridge added: "In areas where supply has been disrupted, most properties should have adequate storage in their attic tanks for hygiene purposes for at least 24 hours.

"However, customers are urged to conserve water where possible in order to protect supply while the outages are resolved. There are some simple steps people can take to conserve their water, such as avoiding the use of water-intensive appliances during this time."