The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Thousands lose water as mains burst in Killarney
CUSTOMERS in Kerry are still experiencing water supply issues following a major break in the water mains that supplies much of the county on Sunday evening.
A burst asbetsos pipe, just off the park road in Killarney, resulted in major flooding around 6.30pm on Sunday evening and led to significant damage to local business including Quinlans fish shop and neighbouring business in Deerpark as a result of the flood waters. Aldi car park was also flooded but thankfully nearby homes in Pinewood and Deerpark were not hit by the raging waters. The flood waters caused major concern amid ongoing water shortages fears in part of Kerry.
Access to homes and businesses was cut-off because of the flood waters. However, this was rectified by the opening of emergency gates at Killarney Fire Station which allowed ac- cess to the affected areas from the bye-pass and ensured that trapped residents could leave if necessary.
The burst pipe, which occurred because of the age and condition of the pipe, was part of the Central Regional Water Supply, which serves much of the county and led to a depletion of water supply to a number of reservoirs which supply areas including Killarney, Scartaglin, Farranfore and Tralee areas and led to thousands of homes being affected on Sunday night.
Cllr Donal Grady was on the scene within minutes of the break on Sunday evening and he said that access was one of the main concerns. He also praised the community spirit that helped clean-up the area and the quick response by the Council and Irish Water.
Kerry County Council in conjunction with Irish Water worked throughout the night to try and rectify the issue and much of the work was completed by the early hours of Monday morning allowing the Deepark area to return to normal.
The local community rowed together for a major clean up of the affected business and normality was restored to the thriving business area by Monday morning.
However, the burst pipe led to the depletion of water supply in the reservoirs which continues to hinder water supply particularly in county including in Kilcummin Currow, Farranfore and Tralee areas. Alternative water sources are available in affected areas including at Caherslee and Listellick in Tralee, as well as farranfore, Firies and Kilcummin.
In a statement on Tuesday afternooon Irish Water said that they were “monitoring the return of water supply to customers on the Central Regional Water Supply Scheme” and would continue to provide updates.