Major water outage across south Leitrim as Uisce Éireann responds to pipe burst

Uisce Éireann crews are currently carrying out emergency repair works following a significant burst to a water main supplying the Ballinamore area early this morning.

As a result, customers in Ballinamore, Fenagh and surrounding areas may experience disruptions to their water supply throughout the day.

Repair works are expected to be completed by 4pm this afternoon (Wednesday). However, Uisce Éireann has advised that it may take an additional two to three hours for full supply to return to all affected customers following the completion of repairs. Those living on higher ground or at the ends of the network may experience longer delays.

Kevin Love of Uisce Éireann acknowledged the disruption and apologised for the inconvenience caused.
“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers impacted for their support while our repair works are ongoing,” he said.

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He also addressed ongoing concerns from residents, noting the recent pattern of bursts in the area.
“We acknowledge and regret the frequency of bursts on this water main over the last two weeks and the impact that supply disruptions have had on our customers in the Ballinamore area. I also want to acknowledge the efforts of our frontline crews who have been working hard to return supply to our customers as quickly as possible when these unplanned outages have occurred in recent weeks.”

Mr Love added that Uisce Éireann is monitoring and reviewing the situation with a view to long-term improvements.
“We are collating records of the locations of bursts, burst history and frequency. This information will inform future water mains replacement projects under our Leakage Reduction Programme, subject to prioritisation and funding.”

Vulnerable customers registered with Uisce Éireann will receive direct updates for outages lasting more than four hours. To register as a vulnerable customer or as an alternative contact, visit www.water.ie/vulnerablecustomer.

Customers can stay informed on outages and repairs by visiting Uisce Éireann’s website or following their social media channels @IWCare and @IrishWater. The 24/7 customer care helpline is also available on 1800 278 278.

A free text alert service is also available for real-time local updates. Customers can register using their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie.

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