Limerick Council issues severe weather alert

Limerick County Council, following consultation with the HSE, Gardaí and the Army, today issued a severe weather alert.

The Council said unprecedented cold weather is causing severe problems to infrastructure in Co Limerick and affects both roads and water supplies. In particular, water treatment plants are not operating to the optimum in the severe weather conditions and a number of plants in the county are not functioning properly.

A Council spokesperson said: “All necessary actions are being taken by Council staff and the Severe Weather Alert Plan has been activated in consultation with the HSE; the Gardai and the Army.

"Council staff will be working at all times over the holiday period with a view to rectifying the situation and maintaining a water supply to as many households in County Limerick as possible."

The Council also today issued a public water boil notice to customers served by the Newcastle West Water Scheme over fears that that the drinking water may be contaminated.

All areas supplied by the scheme are affected and include: Newcastle West Town and environs, Coolcappagh, Rathcahill, Ballyine Group Water Scheme, Dually Group Water Scheme, Killoughteen Group Water Scheme, Killeline Group Water Scheme, Old Mill Group Water Scheme, Reens Kilscannell Group Water Scheme

The latest boil notice is one of three such precautionary notices in effect in Limerick. Boil notices are also in place for customers served by the Kilmallock and Abbeyfeale Water Schemes.