Irish Water has been urgently called to confirm when residents in Drogheda and parts of east Meath will be able to get water.

A number of households have been left without water for over five days after a water main supplying raw water to the Staleen water treatment plant burst.

The firm confirmed they are continuing to carry out repair works and said it must completely switch off the water in order to ensure supply to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda is maintained.

Sinn Féin President and Louth Gerry Adams TD accused Irish Water of "dithering about".

He said: "Sinn Féin offices have been inundated with calls from concerned & frustrated constituents who are now hearing from media report they will have no water until Thursday. Irish Water need to confirm if this is the case.

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"It is not clear what emergency measures, if any, Irish Water has put in place to ensure access to water for all persons affected or what plans are in place to ensure access for those with additional needs, particularly the elderly, immobile, and those with young children.

"While tankers have been available in certain areas, I am advised that some constituents cannot access these, cannot access internet to know when & where these tankers are, and cannot access emergency supplies.

"I am also extremely concerned about the amount of water available to emergency services including the Fire Brigade."

In a statement Irish Water said: "Three different repair solutions have been undertaken so far. Due to the complexity of the repair and age of the pipe and ability to withstand very high working pressures standard and modified fitting arrangements are not holding. It is now necessary to build from scratch another bespoke solution.

"Temporary water stations have been established at 21 locations across the network and these will continue to be replenished from early morning. Further locations will added as demand dictates and the public will be advised of this as it happens."

The firm also apologised fro any inconvenience caused.

(CD/MH)