EPA And HSE Consulted Over West Limerick Oil Spill

Co. Limerick, Ireland — 22 Jan. 2012 — Limerick County Council confirmed this evening (Sunday, January 22, 2012) that it is working closely with the Health Services Executive (HSE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to restore water services to approximately 1500 households in West Limerick.

The Council says it also is working with two environmental pollution firms to assist the cleanup operation along the River Deel and its tributaries, after a significant volume of oil entered the river earlier this week.

Water restrictions are expected to remain in place for the early days of the coming week in Askeaton, Foynes, Shanagolden, Ballysteen, Kilcornan, Creeves, and surrounding areas.

Limerick County Council has established a helpline, while nine tankers providing fresh drinking water are being provided throughout West Limerick.

The helpline facility at 061 496493 will operate tomorrow, Monday, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Water tankers are being provided at the following locations: Askeaton (The Public Swimming Pool, community centre, church carpark, Supervalu Twohigs and the Kingspan Factory); Ballysteen (outside church); Foynes (Corgrig Housing Estate, public carpark near children’s playground); Shanagolden (Main St.); Kilcornan (Burial Ground).

Paul Crowe, Director of Services explained: “It is still too early to indicate when normal water supply can be restored throughout the affected area. However, the Council is working closely with the regulatory authorities (HSE and EPA) to ensure restoration of normal water supplies as soon as feasible.”

He added: “Council staff are working with the management of key community facilities such as nursing homes and schools to ensure that they have adequate water supplies to enable them to remain open.”

Water Restrictions:
– The towns of Kildimo and Pallaskenry and surrounding areas continue to have a piped water supply, but with a boil water notice in place.
– The town of Foynes and surrounding areas continues to have a piped water supply, but with night-time supply restrictions in place.
– Measures are being taken overnight to improve the piped water supply to the town of Shanagolden, by tankering water to the local reservoir.
– Mains water remains cut off to the town of Askeaton and the surrounding areas of Creeves, Ballysteen and Kilcornan. Tankered water continues to be made available in these locations.
– Askeaton Leisure Centre will remain open to provide toilet and shower facilities free of charge.

For further information visit www.lcc.ie.

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