Gormley: It will take time for water services to return

Environment Minister John Gormley said it will take some time for water services to return to normal across the country.

Everything that could be done was being done to resolve the crisis, he insisted.

Restrictions remain in every county after the weekend's thaw brought a surge in leaks and burst mains that have drained reservoir levels.

There will be an easing of restrictions in most areas tomorrow to allow for New Year's Eve celebrations.

Mr Gormley, speaking after a meeting of the National Severe Weather Co-ordination Committee, said work was ongoing everywhere to deal with the fallout from the severe weather.

"I appreciate that many people across the country are experiencing water difficulties, but everything that can be done is being done to address the situation," he said.

The Green Party leader said significant leaks in the water supply system were unavoidable with the extreme temperatures, as was the case also in the UK.

"The work of the local authorities, who have been working 24-7 on this issue, is delivering results, and significant progress has been made, but it will take time for full water services to return to normal," he added.

Mr Gormley appealed for householders to be patient.

The Department of Environment said restrictions and repairs from crews working flat out over the holidays were starting to take effect.

There are signs of supply and demand stabilising in Dublin, which could see restrictions eased in the capital next week.

But night-time restrictions are expected to continue for some time longer until reservoirs are fully replenished.

In some areas, water has been shut off to unattended commercial premises where leaks have been detected and where no action was being taken to address it.

Gerry Galvin, principal adviser of Water Services, urged people to check for leaks and alert their local authority if necessary.

"A little effort from everybody will help to ease the situation further," he said.

In the North, it is expected water supplies to those cut off may not be fully reconnected until early next week.

Around an extra 250 megalitres are being pumped into the system every day, Northern Ireland Water said, but most of it is being lost in leakages from burst pipes.

About 32,000 properties are affected but the situation is improving in Belfast.

Trevor Haslett, director of engineering at NIW, said the situation in urban areas was improving and should be better by Friday afternoon.

"It could be early next week before everybody is on supply," he said.