DRINKING water restrictions have been lifted in areas affected by the recent oil pollution incident in west Limerick. No further interruptions or restrictions to supplies are planned for Foynes, Shanagolden, Askeaton, Barrigone, Kildimo, Pallaskenry, Creeves, Ballysteen, Castletown and Kilcornan. Approximately 1,500 households were affected by water supply shutoffs on January 19 after a significant volume of oil entered a tributary of the River Deel.   The county council continued to provide water to the public by tankering and other means.

Paul Crowe, director of services, acknowledged the patience, understanding and co-operation of the people of the affected areas through what had been a most difficult time.
He explained: “Throughout the incident, the protection of public health was of paramount importance for Limerick County Council. The council maintained close contact with both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the HSE in their respective roles as the regulatory authority and health advisory authority”.
Mr. Crowe noted that there has been an extensive cleanup at the source of the pollution and on the river by specialist contractors and council staff.
He concluded: “Intensive water quality monitoring has taken place during the course of this incident at the river, the Shannon Estuary Area Water Treatment Plant, the reservoir and distribution mains, and at  taps.   Rigorous testing on water samples was undertaken by Limerick County Council laboratories, and specialist private laboratories in both Cork and the UK.
“The Health Service Executive also undertook confirmatory sampling and analysis using their facilities”.