Reactive flushing of water pipes underway in parts of Cork city

Taoiseach agreed that Uisce Éireann executives should agree to a face-to-face meeting with residents of the Mount Farran area

Reactive flushing of water pipes was underway in parts of Cork city on Wednesday to tackle the latest issue with discoloured dirty water.

Reactive flushing of water pipes was underway in parts of Cork city on Wednesday to tackle the latest issue with discoloured dirty water.

It came as the Taoiseach Simon Harris agreed that Uisce Éireann executives should agree to a face-to-face meeting with residents of the Mount Farran area in Blackpool to discuss their water quality problems which have been ongoing for several months.

Mr Harris was responding in the Dáil to questions from Solidarity TD Mick Barry who raised the residents’ plight in the chamber for the second week in a row.

Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann announced on Wednesday that its latest flushing, this time on the southside of the city, is a response to increased reports of discolouration of the water supply following works in the Friars Walk area.

It said it commissioned a new trunk main on the city’s south quays in recent days and as the work was being completed, it is likely that sediment was dislodged from the inside of the pipe network leading to some increased instances of discolouration in local areas.

There was also a reduction in water to the adjoining network and, once identified, water was re-routed to restore supply to affected customers as soon as possible, it said.

Dirty water

In response to the increased complaints about dirty water in this part of the city, Uisce Eireann said it started a programme of reactive flushing in the Tower Street, Barracks Street, Mount Sion Road, Evergreen Road and surrounding areas today to clear any discolouration in the network.

It said its dedicated Water Quality Taskforce is continuing to closely monitor reports of discolouration, and it continuing its series of measures specifically to reduce instances of discolouration with targeted flushing in other areas of the city, additional proactive sampling and testing at a number of locations, along with watermains rehabilitation and replacement works.

It thanked customers for their patience during these works and said it regrets any inconvenience caused.

The utility continues to advise people not to drink discoloured water.

In the event of discolouration, it advises people to run their tap for up to 20 minutes which usually restores water to a clear colour.

It says the water is safe to drink once running clear.

If the problem continues, you can contact Uisce Eireann’s customer care helpline 24/7 on 1800 278278.