REPAIRS:WATER SUPPLIES have been restored to the vast majority of households in Cork city and schools are expected to be able to reopen today.
Cork City Council said in a statement yesterday that the mains water supply was being progressively restored to the remaining high areas north of the river Lee in the city.
“It is hoped that this will be completed over the next 24 hours. Emergency drinking and sanitary water points will be removed as supplies are restored.
“As the supply of piped water returns on a phased basis, Cork City Council, in consultation with the HSE, has issued a boil water notice covering mains water supplied by Cork City Council to all areas north on the river Lee/north channel. It is advised that all mains supplies in this area of the city should be boiled before use.”
The recent flooding affected the water supply of 18,000 homes and an estimated 50,000 people primarily in the north side of Cork city but also in pockets of the south side. Areas which have had their water turned back on include the Lee Road, Sunday’s Well road, Great William O’Brien Street, the North Mall, Shandon Street and the Watercourse Road.
The boil water notice is precautionary and will remain in place until such time as the city council has verified that all mains supplies are free from risk of contamination.
Meanwhile, Cork Council Council says it will reopen County Hall for business tomorrow after floods caused serious damage to the building over a week ago. A temporary headquarters had to be put in place and services were minimised while the repairs were carried out. However, the Cork County Library headquarters will remain closed until further notice.
The Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton, issued a pastoral message in which he praised the sense of community, friendship and neighbourliness shown across Cork city and county during the floods.
The Catholic Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley, also said the work of the local authority, community leaders and the general public was to be commended.
“I have seen it at close quarters . . . the great co-operation and solidarity between people. They were willing to make any sacrifice, pay any price, meet any need . . . They deserve our appreciation, our admiration and our thanks.”