A burst water main in Portlaoise left thousands of home without water earlier today.
The burst water main is now fixed but it may take several hours before water returns to houses in areas affected.
The leak affected some of the most heavily populated areas of the town including Kilminchy and several housing estates.
“Irish Water can confirm that a burst water main affecting supply to customers in parts of Portlaoise was fixed at 12:55 hrs today and the network is currently recharging. Water will return to all customers over the next few hours,” an Irish Water spokesperson said.
The burst occurred on a 250 mm diameter main laid across private lands close to Kilminchy Reservoir.
Laois County Council acting as agents for Irish Water had a repair crew on site early this morning and after assessing the incident, it was necessary to close valves to shut off the water running through the pipe in order to carry out the necessary repair, Irish Water outlined.
This shut off occurred at 10 am this morning.
The following areas were impacted by the burst Kilminchy, Colliers Lane, Colliers View, Colliers Way, The Hermitage, Rathevan, Ashley Gardens, Borris Road, Forest Park, The Grange, Highfield Meadows, Dr. Murphy Place, Saint Brigid’s Place, Ridge Road, Hawthorn Drive and surrounding areas.
“The water supply was maintained to the remainder of the town by supplying water from the Pallas Reservoir and from the Meelick Water treatment plant in order to minimise the disruption to as many domestic and commercial customers as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“Irish Water apologises to customers for the disruption caused and thanks them for their patience while the repair was carried out and full supply is restored to all customers,” the spokesperson said.
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