Storm Éowyn water outages continue to affect Laois towns

Three big Laois towns are still affected by water cuts after Storm Éowyn.

Uisce Éireann gave an update to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on Friday evening, January 24 after the massive storm passed leaving destruction in its wake.

They say that they are "mobilising crews to restore normal water supply to customers across County Laois. This follows widespread service disruptions in the county caused by the impact of Storm Éowyn."

Power outages at treatment plants and pumping stations continue to impact on supplies across the county, including: Mountmellick, Derrmoyle (Graigucullen) and parts of Portarlington.

Uisce Eireann repair crews have commenced restoration works in areas where the status red weather warning has been lifted and it is safe to do so. 

"We are co-ordinating with the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, local authorities, the ESB, Civil Defence and other agencies as we work to restore normal supplies as quickly as possible. 

"Once power is returned to an area it may take some time for normal water supply to be restored. Customers can go to www.water.ie and enter their address for details of localised issues and estimated restoration times. Details of alternative water supplies if required will also be provided here."

In the meantime, customers are urged to conserve water where possible in order to protect supply while the outages are resolved.

Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann is Margaret Attridge.

She warns that service disruptions may last a number of days for some households and businesses.

“This was an unprecedented storm event that has had a severe impact on our water and wastewater network nationwide. We are still assessing the full extent of the disruption to supplies. Our crews will work around the clock where it is safe to do so to restore water service as quickly as possible, but given the extent of the damage, it may take some time before full service is restored everywhere. We ask for the public’s continued patience during this challenging time.” 

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries.

Uisce Éireann has also launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie. 

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from them for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.