Almost 40,000 people were without running water on Thursday evening according to Uisce Éireann as repairs to faults were impacted by an ongoing three day strike by members of the trade union Unite.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, the public utility said “approximately 15,000 people supplied by the Galtee Regional Public Water Supply in Tipperary have been without water since 5pm on Wednesday due to an operational issue at the water treatment plant which has not yet been resolved, and three more plants in Tipperary, supplying a further 23,000 people, are facing a similar situation this evening.
“Remedial works to address this issue and restore normal supply to customers have been delayed due to the industrial action.”
On Wednesday, Uisce Éireann issued precautionary boil water notices in relations to localities in Waterford and Tipperary served by the Adamstown, Stradbally, Ballylaneen, Crotty’s Lake, Glenary and plants Poulavanogue while it said the Glashaboy plant in Cork would also be affected on Friday.
Underinvestment in water is harming the environment and economy, but no politician dares mention a solution
Are Labour getting too close to Sinn Féin for their own good?
Water system ‘in a desperate state’, says Uisce Éireann chair
Protesters ordered to stop blocking work on water supply to 18th-century property housing women asylum seekers
The delays to maintenance and repair work arise out of the three day strike which is due to end at midnight on Friday although Uisce Éireann says its ability to address the issues is likely to be further impacted by the bank holiday weekend.
The strike, by around 120 local authority staff, is part of a dispute over the transfer of workers to Uisce Éireann and the guarantees regarding terms and conditions provided for those who do not want to move.
Further detail on local issues and advice on safely boiling water for consumption can be found at water.ie
