Uisce Éireann lifts Boil water notice for Birr

AFTER almost a week the boil water notice for Birr was finally lifted by Uisce Éireann on Tuesday afternoon, September 5.

The company lifted the notice following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

“All customers supplied by the Birr Public Water Supply,” said a company statement, “can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.” Jim Fitzgerald of Uisce Éireann acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community. “Uisce Éireann,” he said, “wishes to thank everyone for their patience, co-operation, and assistance during this Boil Water Notice and we greatly regret any inconvenience caused to homes and businesses in the community.”

The Uisce Éireann Customer Contact Centre (1800 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to the lifting of this water quality notice.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland.

The Boil Water Notice was issued by Uisce Éireann, following a consultation with the Health Service Executive, on Wednesday August 30th, after the failure of a critical water treatment process at Birr water treatment plant affected the drinking water quality entering the Birr Public Water Supply (PWS).

For days an ongoing discussion between the HSE and Uisce Éireann had not revealed a date when the boil water notice may be lifted, leading to a criticism from Councillor John Leahy who stated that the lack of clarification on the subject and communication between parties was “deeply frustrating” for many, particularly as temperatures are high this week.

Many houses in the town also experienced water pressure issues since the boil water notice was issued.

A number of houses in the Hillside / Seffin area were reported to be without any water at all, but this problem was rectified after a couple of days, and the supply was fully restored.

The affected area ran from the Lidl store to the north of Birr, to the Airfield to the south, from Riverstown to the west, and Clonoghill Lower to the east.

You can be kept informed by visiting www.water.ie