We’ll drink to that: Boil notice lifts in Cork city

By Eoin English

Thursday, December 03, 2009

THE boil water notice in Cork city was lifted last night after the quality of water at the Lee Road treatment plant got the all-clear from the HSE.

Within an hour, water began flowing from the plant to homes in parts of the city’s southside which have been without supply since the flood knocked the treatment plant out almost two weeks ago.

The plant also began supplying water to the city centre island which had been temporarily supplied from Tivoli.

It will take up to 12 hours for the pressure to build in the system and for the water to work across the grid.

But city officials said they are confident that the supply will be restored to most homes by this evening. The areas due to be restored over the coming hours include:

* Barrack Street

* Bandon Road and surrounding areas

* Tower Street

* High Street

* Blackrock Road

* Ballintemple

* Boreenmanna Road

=* Ballinlough Road and surrounding areas.

Fine Gael’s Cllr Laura McGonigle, who has been blogging, tweeting and using Facebook to keep her constituents regularly updated, welcomed the news.

"People may experience some fluctuation in water pressure as the changeover occurs and discolouration due to silt, so be careful washing clothes," she said.

"There is a possibility of burst mains as the pressure increases through the system, but as has been the case of the last two weeks, staff will be on call 24-hours to deal with any difficulties that arise.

"The last week has shown the true spirit of the Cork people.

"The whole community comes together and works as one to deal with it."

Meanwhile, the Cork Chamber has accused the Government of completely underestimating the impact of the devastating flood on the city.

It called for its €10 million humanitarian aid package to be extended to cover already struggling businesses, and for urgent clarification on when and who will carry out the independent inquiry into the management of water in the Lee catchment area.

Chamber chief executive Conor Healy said: "The Government has completely underestimated the impact of the floods and needs to realise the devastating knock-on impact this will have on the country’s enterprise base, which are already facing significant challenges, and extend the relief package to affected businesses immediately.

"The Government now needs to step up to the plate and support the economic generating sector of this economy at a time when it is most needed."

The Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation Ltd, which represents fishermen from Galway to Wexford, called on its members yesterday to donate what they can to help those families worst affected by the flooding.

And two events will take place in Cork city over the coming days to raise funds for the city’s flood victims.

On Friday, the Silversprings Moran Hotel will host a concert, tickets priced €10, with all proceeds donated to the St Vincent de Paul Flood Relief Fund.

And sports legend Pele has signed a Cork GAA jersey that will be raffled during the Raising Cork Quiz, chaired by broadcaster and rugby pundit, George Hook, in Silversprings Moran Hotel at 8pm on Monday. Tables of four are available for €80 and people can register at www.raisingcork.com.

The quiz is being organised by employees of H+A Marketing and PR who urged the business community to support the quiz. Business can help by contacting info@raisingcork.com.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Thursday, December 03, 2009