Temporary generator being used in Leitrim as Uisce Éireann works to restore water

A temporary generator is being used in Leitrim to restore water supplies to homes and businesses in the county who have been without a water supply in the wake of Storm Éowyn.

Following Storm Éowyn, power outages at treatment plants and pumping stations continue to impact on supplies across the county with some isolated reported issues on elevated sites in Leitrim at Cloone, Boornacoola and Drumshanbo.

Uisce Éireann has deployed a temporary generator for use at Carrick On Shannon Treatment Plant to maintain power supply and a new generator recently installed at a main pump station on the South Leitrim Regional Supply Scheme has been in operation to meet our supply demand balance.

Nationally, approximately 120,000 people across the country have no water this lunchtime following Storm Éowyn. An additional 150,000 people are now being supplied by schemes where generators have been deployed by Uisce Éireann crews. Supplies for a further 275,000 people are at risk in areas where power is yet to be restored.

The impacts are being felt nationwide, with areas without water across the North West and in counties Kerry, Clare, Tipperary, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford and Laois. Updates on local supplies issues will be provided on the Úisce Eireann website, www.water.ie, as they become available.

Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann Margaret Attridge noted that while positive progress had been made overnight, the number of people now experiencing loss of supply due to power outages may increase as reservoir levels drop.

“This unprecedented storm event has had a severe impact on our water and wastewater network nationwide. Our crews are on the ground in all impacted areas working to restore water service as quickly as possible but given the extent of the damage to the power network, it may take some time before full service is restored everywhere. We ask for the public’s continued patience during this challenging time.

“In locations where water supplies have been impacted for longer periods, we are deploying alternative water supplies. Details of these supplies and their locations will be posted across our website and social media channels as they become available,” she added.

Margaret is also urging customers 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.

To learn more about conserving water, visit www.water.ie/conserve.

Customers can stay informed about their local water supply by visiting www.water.ie, via Uisce Éireann’s X feed, @IWCare, or by signing up for our free text alert service via the website. Alternatively get in touch via our 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Damage caused around Leitrim by Storm Éowyn