Oil spill costs thousands in wasted food
Pfizer, which makes adult and baby food products at its Askeaton plant, confirmed last night they had to close down production and destroy products when they were alerted that the River Deel had been polluted in an oil spill. The company said last night that production has been restored, having secured an alternative water supply.
Up to 7,000 people were still without water last night following the oil spill, which caused serious pollution along a 20km stretch of the river Deel and its tributaries.
It could be several days before the all-clear is given for the restoration of supplies from the council reservoir near Foynes.
Tankers are distributing supplies at locations including Askeaton, Foynes, Shanagolden, Kilcornan, Ballysteen and Creeves.
Water sampling tests were being carried out at the major treatment plant near Foynes, which had been closed down after the spill occurred last Wednesday.
The spill occurred at a commercial premises near Castlemahon, spilling up to 2,000 litres of oil into the Deel.
Limerick County Council has engaged two environmental pollution firms to assist the cleanup operation.
The council has also set up a helpline on 061 496493.
Council director of water services Paul Crowe said: “It is still too early to indicate when normal water supply can be restored throughout the affected area. However, the Council is working closely with the regulatory authorities (HSE and EPA) to ensure restoration of normal water supplies as soon as feasible.”
The council said the owners of the commercial premises where the spill occurred are cooperating fully with them.
