UISCE Éireann upgrade works to lift boil notices in the Foynes-Shannon Estuary Public Water Supply are nearing completion, local councillors were told this week.
Fianna Fáil councillor Kevin Sheahan asked at this Monday’s meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District for an update on the boil water notice for residents in Askeaton and surrounding areas.
He was informed by the water utility that teams have successfully carried out the necessary shutdowns at the plant to facilitate the installation and operation of suction pipework.
“Pre-commissioning is continuing with the commissioning engineer this week to establish the required set-points for the ultraviolet disinfection unit and associated equipment,” Ciara McCaughley of Úisce Éireann explained.
“We are now working with our contractors on the required shutdown controls on the existing water treatment plant to ensure that non-compliant water does not enter the clear water tank.
“Following this there will be commissioning and collecting of sampling data for the HSE to review and Úisce Éireann will consult with the HSE to discuss if the boil water notice can be lifted.”
The notice impacting the Foynes-Shannon Estuary Public Water Supply was put in place in May 2023, and remains in place some ten months later.
Areas impacted by the notice include Askeaton, Foynes, Ballyhahill, Loghill, Ballysteen, Pallaskenry, Kildimo, and Shanagolden, and surrounding areas.
While drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann and the council are working to rectify the issues at the treatment plant, all customers on the supply are advised to continue to boil their water before use.
