Irish Water has warned that some 6,500km of piping in the country’s network is at risk of bursting in a similar fashion to the disruption that has left tens of thousands of homes in Louth and Meath without water for almost a week now.

Irish Water has warned that repairs to a burst main that has left thousands of people without water for several days are proving "challenging".

Latest: Irish Water say efforts are continuing to restore supply to customers after a water main burst.