Uisce Éireann crews are continuing their efforts across Longford to restore water supplies in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, which has caused widespread disruption to water services.
As of this afternoon, Uisce Éireann is actively deploying generators to water treatment plants that remain without power. The company is closely coordinating with ESB Networks to prioritise the restoration of power and is also working alongside the National Emergency Co-ordination Group and local authorities to ensure a swift response.
Progress Made in Key Areas
Power has now been restored to water treatment plants in Longford town, Newtowncashel, and surrounding areas, allowing production to resume. However, due to depleted reservoir levels, it is expected that customers in these areas will not see a return to full water supply until Monday, January 27.
In the areas where power has not yet been restored, generators have been deployed to critical sites including Smear, Granard, Abbeyshrule, and Lanesboro. As production picks up, reservoirs will begin to refill, and water supplies will gradually return to normal over the next few days.
Conservation Efforts Encouraged
Uisce Éireann is urging customers to conserve water where possible to help reservoir levels recover and ensure continued supply. This will also help protect the overall water supply as repairs continue.
Alternative Water Supplies in Place
To support affected communities, Uisce Éireann has established several alternative water supply locations across Longford, including:
- Cathedral car park, Longford Town
- Tesco car park, Longford Town
- Library car park, Edgeworthstown
- The Mart, Ballymahon
- Village car park, Aughnacliffe
- Car park behind Garda Station, Granard
- Car park beside the Bridge, Lanesboro
National Impact of Storm Éowyn
As of today, approximately 109,000 people across Ireland remain without water due to Storm Éowyn, while 112,000 people are being supplied via alternative schemes powered by generators. A further 126,000 people are at risk of disruption in areas where power has yet to be restored.
While the situation has improved in parts of the East and South of the country, the West Coast and Midlands remain the hardest hit, with counties such as Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cavan, Monaghan, Westmeath, Donegal, and Longford experiencing significant disruption.
Continued Efforts and Updates
Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann, provided an update on the ongoing recovery efforts. “This unprecedented storm has had a severe impact on our water and wastewater network nationwide,” she said. “Our crews are working tirelessly to restore services, but due to the scale of the damage to the power network, it will take time before full service is restored everywhere.”
She also expressed gratitude for the public’s patience during this challenging period, particularly for those who have been without water for several days. “In some locations, customers are receiving restricted service as treated water storage reservoirs and networks recharge. We encourage everyone to use water sparingly to help protect supply during this time.”
