Irish Water temporarily shuts off water as result of burst main in Drogheda to protect hospital supply

Latest Update – Drogheda Water Supply.  00:30  Monday, 24 July

Due to the ongoing works to repair a burst water main supplying raw water to the Staleen water treatment plant, storage reservoir levels are now critically depleted leading to further water supply disruptions in Drogheda and parts of East Meath including Duleek, Lagavoreen, Donore, Ashbourne, Stamullen, Kentstown, Kilbride, Ratoath and Ardcath.

The rotating water roster, whereby water is rationed to different areas in a planned way has now been temporarily suspended.  The shut off should result in more available water in the reservoir.  Irish Water must completely switch off the water in order to ensure supply to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda is maintained.

Irish Water working in partnership with Louth County Council continues to implement our water contingency plans as water repairs prove to be challenging due to the age and type of pipe.

Three different repair solutions have been undertaken so far.  Due to the complexity of the repair and age of the pipe and ability to withstand very high working pressures standard and modified fitting arrangements are not holding. It is now necessary to build from scratch another bespoke solution.

Temporary water stations have been established at 21 locations across the network and these will continue to be replenished from early morning. Further locations will added as demand dictates and the public will be advised of this as it happens.

In east Meath there are 16 locations:

• Duleek at the church x 2
• Lagavoreen at entrance to the estate
• Donore village at the church
• Ashbourne at Race hill x 2
• Stamullen on the Bellewstown road outside the housing estate
• Kenstown outside the Londis in the car park
• Ardcath at the church
• Ratoath one at St Paul’s School and
• Ratoath National School Fairyhouse Road
• Knockcommon (school)
• Garristown (Snailbox carpark)
• Curragha (church)
• Kilbride Church (from Monday am)
• Rossnaree Church (from Monday am)

Temporary water stations have been established at 6 locations across the network in Louth:

• Stameen on the Dublin Road
• Termonabbey
• Marleys Lane
• Bothar Brugha or Hardmans Gardens
• Ballsgrove shops
• Shop St North Quay

Customers must bring their own containers to avail of the water and are advised that water must be boiled before consumption as a precaution.

Irish Water apologises to customers for the inconvenience caused and thanks them for their patience while crews work to repair the burst. Irish Water and Louth County Council would like to thank the public for their patience and apologise for ongoing inconvenience.

Customers can contact our customer care helpline 24/7 on 1850 278 278 or visit service and supply map for further updates.