Uisce Éireann apologise to customers across the Ardfinnan Supply Scheme as intermittent disruption to the water supply continues

Water supply was restored to some customers across the Ardfinnan Water Supply Scheme for a short duration today. Despite the ongoing efforts of engineering crews at the Goatenbridge plant, operational issues mean the plant continues to produce good-quality water only intermittently.

Each treatment process at the plant has built-in safety features that stop production if the water does not meet the required quality standards. Ongoing operational issues continue to trigger these shutdowns.

Treated water storage in the plant’s reservoir increased overnight. However, because the plant continues to produce safe water only intermittently, reservoir levels are once again critically low. This is also continuing to affect the Edenmore and Jamestown reservoirs.
Our crews continue to work on fixing the issues and optimising the process at the plant to prevent ongoing shutdowns but at this time we cannot guarantee consistent production. 

Every effort is being made to tanker into the water network where it is possible. However, due to the volume of water produced for this scheme that is providing limited assistance. 

When normal production at the plant resumes it will take some time for all three reservoirs and the vast network which spans from Goatenbridge as far as Cahir to refill. For that reason, it is likely that the consistent supply of water may be intermittently interrupted over the coming days. 

As we continue efforts to support impacted customers alternative water supplies remain in place in Ardfinnan Village opposite the National School, Newcastle Village, Grange Village beside church, Clerihan village beside the church, Newchapel, Knocklofty, Cahir Park Football Club, on the Cahir-Mitchelstown Rd near BMW garage, while supplies will also be available shortly at Cahir Mart and in Marifield Village.

Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from tankers and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.

Bottled water will also be available in Newcastle Village, Ardfinnan opposite the National School and in Marifield Village. We are continuing to deliver bottled water to vulnerable customers directly who have registered with us as well as to schools and nursing homes across the supply.

Pierce Faherty, Water Treatment Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann, said:

"We understand that the ongoing disruption to the water supply being experienced by our customers on the Ardfinnan Water Supply is frustrating and is having an impact on daily life in each community.

We apologise for the inconvenience and recognise that the prolonged supply interruption is causing significant difficulties for customers.

“Our crews continue to work tirelessly to fix the mechanical issues and optimise the process to restore normal water production at the Goatenbridge plant. We are also focusing on providing alternative water supplies across the supply to support impacted customers. 
“We would like to thank customers for their patience, understanding and cooperation while our teams work to restore supply."

Supporting customers, especially those who may be more vulnerable during service interruptions, remains a priority. Registered vulnerable customers receive direct communications from Uisce Éireann for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.

Customers can stay informed about their local water service by checking the supply and service section of our website, checking our live feed at X @IWCare, or signing up to receive real-time text updates. Our customer care team is also available 24/7 at 1800 278 278.