Efforts continue to restore water supply after fire at Freemount treatment plant

Serious damage was caused to equipment at Freemount water treatment plant in a fire that occurred in an electrical panel at the facility last Sunday, and Irish Water and Cork County Council, together with specialist contractors, are working around the clock to restore normal production at the plant and to provide temporary supplies to the community affected. The Allow Regional Water Supply Scheme serves a population of 3,500 from seven distribution reservoirs and an extensive network of 150km of pipeline. The villages of Freemount, Dromina, Liscarroll and Milford are normally supplied by the scheme, as well as surrounding rural areas.
Within two hours of the fire on Sunday afternoon, efforts began to transport water into the area. Connections to the adjoining Charleville Water Supply Scheme have been opened, and this has facilitated continuous water supply to parts of the Dromina area. A total of eight tankers are currently transporting water to fill reservoirs and pipelines. Temporary water stations will be available for use at the following locations: Freemount Community Centre, Kerry Agri-business, Freemount, Saint Peter and Paul’s Church, Dromina, Milford National School, Liscarroll National School, and Saint Brigid’s Cemetery (R522 – Buttevant to Liscarroll Road). Customers should check Irish Water’s website for updates and contact their call centre on 1850 278 278 if they have any concerns, particularly vulnerable customers.