Thousands hit by burst pipe water shortages

Homes and businesses in almost every county have been hit by water shortages after thousands of pipes burst.

Major damage to supplies was caused during the freezing weather in the run-up to Christmas and compounded by a subsequent surge in demand.

Authorities urged people to conserve water, warning that wastage from taps being left running has also been a major factor.

Dublin City Council said shortages were likely to run into next week.

Gerry Galvin, from the Department of the Environment water services section, called on people to check unattended properties, both business and residential.

“We would echo the calls by many local authorities to have property owners and keyholders of premises that have not been attended since before the thaw to check out those premises,” he said.

Mr Galvin said that should also include people with holiday homes, closed businesses, schools and mobile homes.

Local authorities have tasked teams of engineers to work round the clock to reinstate supplies.

In Dublin, people were urged to keep water use to a minimum as teams work 24 hours a day to fix leaks.

Hotels, pubs and restaurants preparing for the New Year trade have warned their businesses will be severely hit unless supplies are back to normal in the next 48 hours.

Co Meath was among the worst hit, with damaged supplies threatening up to 10,000 residents in the south of the county yesterday and some homes said to be without water for up to 10 days.