Testing is underway on the Whitegate Regional Water Supply to ensure the systems can be brought safely back into operation, and for the boil water notice currently in place to be lifted.

Repairs have been substantially completed at the Kilva Water Treatment Plant, following a mechanical malfunction which resulted in a boil water notice being implemented.

There had been an issue with the filtration process as a result of burst pipework, separate from the water treatment issue which led to Boil Water Notices being issued for the supply on previous occasions.

Irish Water say they are continuing to liaise with the HSE with a view to lifting the notice as soon as it is safe to do so.

Neil Smyth, Irish Water Operations Lead said, “We expect to be in a position to review the situation again next week. Subject to results of the ongoing testing we will then consult further with the HSE with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice.

"We recognise that this is a major inconvenience to the community and local businesses and would like to assure everyone that we are working as a matter of priority to complete this process and restore a normal water supply as quickly as possible.

"In the meantime, all customers of this supply are reminded to boil water before use until further notice. A population of approximately 6,500 as well as businesses are affected."

A detailed digital map of the properties affected by the Boil Water Notice is available at www.water.ie.

Water must continue to be boiled for a number of uses including drinking, making ice and the preparation of food.

Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing, and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling.

It’s also recommended that caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water.