Dublin water restrictions could be lifted after tonight, says engineer

A Dublin City engineer has said that he is hopeful that water restrictions will be lifted after tonight - but he cannot give any guarantees.

Michael Phillips' comments come as water restrictions in the greater Dublin area are set to enter their ninth night.

The restrictions were imposed last Wednesday due to a serious production problem at the Ballymore Eustace Water Treatment Plant.

Mr Phillips said that they have found a solution to the problem - but nightly restrictions may need to be extended.

"We have found a polyelectrolyte which is a chemical which works with this particular type of water," he said.

"But we have to be careful because we would be concerned that we might reach full production and then that polyelectrolyte will break down and not work with the water.

"For that reason, we have to proceed with caution to try to ensure that we can maintain maximum production."