Both water treatment plants in Gorey Co. Wexford and Ballymore Eustace are stable.
That's according to the Minister for Heritage, Darragh O'Brien TD as he met with Irish Water and local authorities following contamination in drinking water at both plants last month.
In a statement, O'Brien says both plants are 'operating normally' and are 'producing clean water'.
“Irish Water has assured me that both treatment plants at Gorey and Ballymore Eustace are stable, operating normally and are producing clean water. They have completed the audits that I requested on the 25 largest water treatment plants in the State and refresher training has been provided to the operatives at these plants. Refresher training is also being provided for all local authority management and engineers who are then ‘cascading’ this training to all operatives and technical staff in all 800 plus water treatment plants. I am pleased that Irish Water and the local authorities are working together in full cooperation to put in place these urgent and necessary corrective measures.”
Unsafe water leaving the plant in Gorey over a five-day period led to 52 confirmed illnesses and a number of hospital admissions.
The Minister noted that the EPA had issued audit reports on the 2 incidents in Gorey and Ballymore Eustace.
“The EPA’s action in pointing out the seriousness of the failures at these two plants was crucial in ensuring that my Department, Irish Water and the local government system responded promptly and appropriately to immediately address the risks of similar incidents happening elsewhere.”
