Longford consumers sourcing water from tankers following Storm Isha power outage

Uisce Éireann, is working to restore normal water supply to customers supplied by Smear Water Treatment Plant in Co Longford who have been affected by a recent power outage at the water treatment plant caused by Storm Isha.

Dedicated water services crews have been mobilised to work to restore normal water supply as quickly as possible. We are also liaising closely with the ESB to prioritise the restoration of power supply to the water treatment plant.  

To support impacted customers, an alternative water supply is available at three locations: St Mary's Church in Legga, the carpark at the Cross in Aughnacliffe Village, and St Patrick’s National School in Ballinamuck.

Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure, as per Health Service Executive (HSE) advice. 

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours. 

John Gavin, Water Operations Lead, said: “We thank impacted customers for their patience as we work to restore normal water supply as quickly as possible. When water supplies return, we appeal to customers to help conserve water by not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and to postpone using dishwashers and washing machines where possible. Further information on water conservation is available on our website at www.water.ie/conserve.”

Uisce Éireann continues to provide detailed, real-time, and local information about water service and supply issues on www.water.ie. The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and updates are also issued via Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @IWCare. Business customers can sign up to Uisce Éireann’s text alert system to receive updates on supply interruptions over four hours in duration at www.water.ie/business-updates. To register as a vulnerable customer or as an alternative contact, visit www.water.ie/vulnerablecustomer

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie