UISCE Éireann has said that it is continuing to work to lift a boil water notice on a County Limerick water supply that has been in place since May 2023.
The utility are working with Limerick City and County Council to lift a long-standing boil water notice on the Shannon Estuary Public Water Supply, with necessary upgrade works progressing, Uisce Éireann said.
The notice remains in place following the detection of cryptosporidium at the Shannon Estuary Water Treatment Plant – a chemical which has been linked to respiratory illness when consumed in high enough levels, especially in immunocompromised individuals .
Uisce Éireann now says it is implementing remedial measures to existing processes and is also undertaking upgrades at the plant.
Part of the works include an ultra-violet disinfection unit, which will be capable of treating the equivalent of eight Olympic size swimming pools each day to serve the homes and businesses in the community.
Areas impacted by the notice include Askeaton, Foynes, Ballyhahill, Loghill, Ballysteen, Pallaskenry, Kildimo and Shanagolden and surrounding areas.
The boil water notice remains in place while Uisce Éireann and Limerick City and County Council continue to work to make the water supply safe.
Uisce Éireann’s Duane O’Brien said: “Uisce Éireann appreciates the continued patience of our customers as we advance the works that will enable the lifting this boil water notice.”
“To further progress these works, a shutdown was required to install foot valves, weir plates and final pipework at Shannon Estuary Water Treatment Plant.”
Mr O’Brien said that this work took place last week, and that “final wiring works are nearing completion”.
“Following this there will be commissioning and collection of sampling data for the HSE to review and Uisce Éireann will consult with the HSE to discuss if the boil water notice can be lifted.”
