Uisce Éireann is reminding the public to remain vigilant and continue to report burst water pipes and leaks in the water network to enable its teams to carry out maintenance and repairs as required.

The vast majority of the 40,000 people whose supply was disrupted at the weekend now have their water back, the utility has stated.

However, it added that it may take longer for normal supply to return to some customers at the ends of the network or on higher elevations, in particular around the areas of Brosna, Knocknagoshel and Castleisland in north Kerry.

In areas where supply is slower to return, alternative water supplies have been made available and Uisce Éireann said that crews are on the ground working to restore supply as quickly as possible.

Met Éireann has issued a fresh Status Orange weather warning for low temperatures and ice in several counties tonight.

The national forecaster said that weather conditions will be extremely cold with widespread severe frost and ice, along with lying snow in some areas. Patches of freezing fog also.

The warning currently applies to: Carlow; Cavan; Donegal; Galway; Kildare; Kilkenny; Leitrim; Laois; Longford; Meath; Monaghan; Offaly; Roscommon; Tipperary; and Westmeath.

The alert will be in place from 7:00p.m today (Thursday, January 9) until 8:00a.m on Friday.

Tonight will be very cold and dry with frost setting in early. Temperatures as low as -7°C are possible in some areas, with the lowest temperatures occurring early in the night. Frost, ice and black ice patches are to be expected.

Indications are that temperatures will slowly start to increase from tomorrow (Friday), with temperatures of 8° to 11° forecasted by Sunday.

Burst water pipes

As the impact of the freezing weather and subsequent thaw continues to be felt over the coming days there may be some further disruption to water supplies around the country. This is because, as frozen pipes begin to thaw, this can lead to an increase in bursts and leaks.

Uisce Éireann said that crews will remain on standby ready to maintain and restore water supplies for customers across the country, while taking into account all necessary safety measures.

Uisce Éireann’s head of water operations, Margaret Attridge is reminding people to continue to report any leaks on the public network.

She said, “We know it has been a very difficult week for many people around the country, and our crews have been working around the clock to restore supplies and provide alternative water supplies where needed.

“We would like to thank all those who have supported our efforts to restore normal water supplies including the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, local authorities, the ESB, Civil Defence and other agencies for their support and advice.

“As the freezing conditions we are currently experiencing are replaced by a thaw we expect to see an increase in leaks and bursts on the network.

“We would ask people to remain vigilant over the coming days and report any leaks they see in the public network so that our crews can carry out repairs. The public can report leaks or bursts on the public water networks to our Customer Care Team on 1800 278 278.”

Customers can also sign up for the free text alerts scheme which gives details of supply interruptions that last longer than four hours as well as details on planned and unplanned outages and boil water notices should they be needed to protect public health

Tips to prevent frozen pipes

Uisce Éireann’s tips to protect against frozen pipes include:

Insulate water tanks and pipes: Exposed pipes and tanks are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Insulating them with lagging material can help prevent heat loss and keep pipes from freezing;
Service your boiler: A well-maintained boiler is essential for efficient heating and can help reduce energy bills. Uisce Éireann recommends having your boiler serviced regularly by an accredited plumber;
Fix dripping taps: Always fix any dripping taps but pay particular attention to external dripping taps in winter as water from them can freeze on the ground and can cause people to slip and injure themselves;
Check your inside stop valve: The inside stop valve is the main isolation valve for your water supply. It’s important to make sure you can easily locate and operate the stop valve in case of a leak;
Minimise draughts: Cold air from outside can cause pipes to freeze inside. Draught-proof your home by sealing gaps around windows and doors.

Freezing weather impact on roads

Meanwhile, An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to drivers to slow down during this ongoing period of extremely cold weather.

Over the last 72 hours, while roads across the country have experienced freezing temperatures, 375 drivers have been detected for speeding in excess of the posted speed limit.

As is continuously highlighted by gardaí, speed limits are not targets. Drivers are advised to always travel, not just within the speed limit, but at an appropriate safe speed for the weather, road and traffic conditions.

Examples of speeding detections made by members of An Garda Síochána and Mobile Safety Camera Vans (GoSafe, Road Safety Partners), include:

99km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the Dublin Road, Galway;
97km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the Dublin Road, Galway;
84km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the N3, Virginia, Cavan;
83km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the R188, Drumbear, Monaghan;
80km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the Dublin Road, Cavan.

121km/hr in a 60km/hr zone on the Navan Road, Dublin;
96km/hr in a 60km/hr zone on the R188, Drung, Cavan.

112km/hr in an 80km/hr zone on the N4, Lucan, Dublin;
97km/hr in an 80km/hr zone on the N68, Kilmihill, Clare.

In addition, 29 drivers were arrested in the last 72 hours for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).

Speaking about these detections, chief superintendent Jane Humphries said: “The disregard for speed limits and safe speeds by a small number of drivers is irresponsible and dangerous, not just for their own safety, but for the safety of the many workers who are busy keeping our roads open for essential use in this excessive cold spell and other road users who are supporting road safety.

“Drivers who continue to drive at excessive speed are a menace on our roads.

“An Garda Síochána continues to enforce the road traffic legislation throughout this period in addition to working and supporting our communities across the country and in the most affected counties during this cold weather period.”

National Emergency Co-ordination Group

National director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, Keith Leonard said:

“While we have another bitterly cold night in store tonight, we may finally be reaching the end of this phase of severe weather, with temperatures expected to slowly rise from Friday onwards.

“However, for now, road and path surfaces remain challenging throughout the country and I would continue to urge drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to take extra care if you have to make a journey.

“Remember that icy conditions – and in particular black ice – can make surfaces look deceptively safe.

“We are continuing to coordinate a cross-government response to ensure the most appropriate supports are happening at local level, and we remain particularly focused on getting those who are still without power or water reconnected as quickly as possible.”

Burst water pipes

Tips to prevent frozen pipes

Freezing weather impact on roads

National Emergency Co-ordination Group

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Public urged to report burst water pipes once thaw sets in