Microscopic parasite found in Cork drinking water

A microscopic parasite that can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal illness has been detected in the drinking water supplies of two areas in north Cork.

Audits were carried out by the environmental regulator after the discovery of cryptosporidium in the water supply of Ballyhooly and Mitchelstown north earlier this summer.

The Environmental Protection Agency found no barrier had been fitted to prevent cryptosporidium from entering the water supply in Ballyhooly — a village between Fermoy and Mallow.