Anger in Trim after weekend of water disruption

Irish Water has said normal supply has resumed for customers in Trim, Summerhill, Rathmolyon and surrounding areas following lifting of water restrictions that left hundreds of residents without running water over the weekend and into today, Monday.

"Irish Water and Meath County Council wish to advise customers in Trim, Summerhill, Rathmolyon and surrounding areas that the night time restrictions that were in place on the public water supply are being lifted with immediate effect.

"The restrictions were necessary to ensure a continuous daily water supply was available for residents and businesses for hygiene and other essential purposes.

"Thankfully water levels at the reservoirs have recovered to a sufficient level to maintain a continuous water supply to customers. The restrictions were necessary due to a higher than normal demand for water across the scheme which left us in a situation where demand for water exceeded the amount of water that was available. Irish Water and Meath County Council will continue to monitor and maintain the supply for our customers in the area.

One local resident described how they hadn't had proper water (today, Monday nothing) in their sinks, showers, baths or toilets since Friday at 3pm. "I had a plumber here Saturday who basically said that the tank isn't getting a chance to refill properly due to the reduced pressure.."

The frustrated resident added that further disruption to the water supply would result in people having to breach Covid restrictions just to avail of hot water and washing facilities.

"If our water isn't back by tomorrow we will have no choice but to mix households and go to a friend's house to wash both ourselves and our children. Absolute joke! Middle of a pandemic and no hot water to wash your hands or clothes. Wonder what effect this will have on the Covid numbers in the coming weeks."

Irish Water reminded customers that it is important to continue to follow the HSE guidance on hand washing.

"Irish Water continues to work at this time with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

"Water is a precious resource and should be conserved wherever possible. For tips and information on how to conserve water in the home, in businesses and on farms check out the Water Conservation section of our website. Irish Water continues to encourage the public to report leaks they see in public places by calling the Irish Water customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1850 278 278 or you can contact us through Twitter @IWCare.

Cllr Aisling Dempsey welcomed the news that the restrictions were lifted on Monday evening but was still receiving reports of outages in certain areas on Tuesday.

“We are very grateful restrictions have lifted and understand it may take time for normal service to resume. However questions still need to be answered - how did the reservoir empty in the first place? How did it fill up so quickly despite a week being anticipated? And how will Irish Water ensure this does not happen again?

"I will be seeking these answers via Irish Water and if we do not get satisfactory answers the CRU,EPA and relevant government departments will be contacted”.