A statement issued by Irish Water has revealed that some customers in Limerick City could be without usable water for up to a year.

Letters were sent to some 356 households in Kilkeely on Tuesday warning residents not to use their water supply for drinking or preparing food, including baby formula feeds and ice cubes.

-- Advertisement --

It is understood that increased levels of lead, above the statutory limit, have been found in the water supply in recent tests.

Irish Water say that shared backyard services – understood to be a feature of pre-1960s housing built in the town – may have contributed to the increased levels of lead.

Some 2,000 of the backyard connections have already been removed following a programme of works established by Limerick City Council.

The second stage of the works are currently being planned by Irish Water and could take up to 12 months to complete.

(MH/CD)