Businesses urged to remain vigilant

THERE were widespread water supply restrictions across Co Kerry again last night.

Some 25 county council crews worked throughout the day to repair leaks and burst pipes to restore supplies to home-owners, farmers and businesses.

Council spokesman Padraig Corkery said they hoped to have supplies returned to normal by the weekend.

He said last night’s restrictions should ensure a sufficient supply of water for hotels, restaurants and other places of public resort for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Mr Corkery also urged householders, farmers and business people to check their property for broken pipes and other damage in the wake of the fall-out from the freezing weather.

“The problem is that more water is leaving reservoirs than is going in and water has to be turned off to allow supplies replenish,” Mr Corkery pointed out.

Among the worst affected areas are Tralee and Listowel, where cuts were again due last night, and Kenmare.

Mr Corkery said there were significant difficulties with the Dromin reservoir which supplies a large area of north-east Kerry around Listowel.

Other problem areas included Castleisland, Valentia, Rathmore, Barleymount and the area west of Killorglin.

On Tuesday, up to five times the normal flow of water was leaving the system, in Kenmare, but that situation has now been largely rectified as council crews identified leaks, according to the council.