Uisce Éireann 'failing vulnerable people': Cork residents to protest over dirty water

Uisce Éireann has said it is carrying out targeted pipe flushing in a number of areas in the city

Uisce Éireann said pipe flushing can dislodge sediment in the pipes, which carries through to customers’ taps resulting in increased instances of discoloured water in the short-term. The utility recommends running the tap for up to 20 minutes to restore water to a clear colour, and says the water is safe to drink once running clear.

Anger is mounting again about ongoing discolouration problems in Cork City’s drinking water, which looks set to become a major local election issue.

A protest is due to take place on the city’s northside on Thursday evening with affected residents also being encouraged to sign a petition demanding more action from Uisce Éireann to resolve the issue, which first emerged following the commissioning of the new €40m water treatment plant on the Lee Road in July 2022.