Parts of north Louth 'like a third world country' due to water outages during a heatwave

Customers in Hackballscross, Rassan, Shelagh, and Annavacky experienced water outages for up to two days during a very hot period. Irish Water continued to address serious pumping problems largely linked to extreme heat. A fault at the Dunbin reservoir was not identified quickly due to communication cable failures. Once the issue was found, water pressure took several hours to build back up before pumps could restart. Heat and ventilation problems caused pumps to overheat, requiring additional ventilation. Cattle farmers faced extended shortages during the busiest farming period, leading to many calls from worried residents concerned about livestock welfare and basic water access.

"This week, one of the hottest periods of the year so far, has left customers in Hackballscross, Rassan, Shelagh and Annavacky without water for up to two days as Irish Water continues to deal with serious pumping problems, largely caused by the extreme heat."

"It was only when customers in Hackballscross began reporting outages that the problem at Dunbin was identified and rectified. Unfortunately, the pumping station at Fintan Callan's is supplied from Dunbin, and it takes several hours for water pressure to build back up before the pumps can restart."

"It is also my understanding that the extreme heat, combined with ventilation problems, caused pumps to overheat and that additional ventilation had to be installed. Meanwhile customers including many cattle farmers were left without water for extended periods during one of the busiest and most demanding times of the farming year."

"This is the height of the farming season. Farmers are working around the clock to keep their operations going, provide for their animals, and produce the food supplies that our entire country depends on. The least they should be able to rely on is a basic water supply."

Read at Irish Independent