Boil water alert remains in place

THE boil water notice for the Westport area issued by Irish Water yesterday (Wednesday) evening remains in place today.

Irish Water are continuing to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting the notice as soon as is practicable.

With more than 6,000 customers affected, Minister of State Michael Ring said Irish Water and Mayo County Council are in the process of providing an alternative supply from Lough Mask to parts of Westport to minimise the number of customers affected.

“Irish Water and the HSE, in cooperation with the local authority, are working hard to resolve this situation and I will be assisting in that regard,” he said.

The minister added: “I am working with Irish Water on the matter. If anything, this underlines the need for us to improve and invest in our water system. This work is already underway. The Lough Mask Regional Water Supply Scheme extension to Westport is due for completion in July and will be a major improvement to our local water services.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he was disappointed to note that a boil water notice had issued for Westport town. He stated: “I hope that Irish Water will deal with the issue swiftly and effectively in order to ensure a safe supply for one of Ireland's premier tourist destinations. I have spoken with Irish Water and they are confident that this issue is in the system and not at source.

“Westport is fortunate in that it is supplied from two points - Westport and Lough Mask - and so once testing is completed to the satisfaction of the HSE there is the possibility of restoring some supply to the town.”