Areas in north Dublin may experience disruption to their water supply from tomorrow as Uisce Éireann carries out critical repair work on a pipeline leaking the equivalent of three swimming pools per day.
The water utility company said it has identified a "major leak" that could completely rupture and cause "widespread water outages impacting large areas of north county Dublin".
It warned that supplies of drinking water to Swords, Santry, Malahide, Portmarnock, Kinsealy, Lissenhall, Donabate, Portrane, Clarehall on the Malahide Road, Donaghmede and surrounding areas will be affected by the work.
"The repair will result in reduced pressure to these areas and in some cases intermittent discolouration or loss of supply," it said.
The repair works will start tomorrow at 9pm and "specialist teams" will work overnight to rectify the issue and restore normal water supply as quickly as possible on Saturday.
Uisce Éireann said it expects water pressure to return to normal "around lunchtime" on Saturday, but added that it may take "between 6 - 12 hours for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas".
Uisce Éireann's Regional Operations Manager Stephen Burke described the project as "complex and challenging" due to the size and location of the pipe.
"This section of water main is leaking approximately one million litres of water per day, equivalent to three swimming pools," he said.
But Mr Burke said that "extensive preparation has taken place to enable us to carry out these works and minimise impact on water supplies including the provision of water tankers".
"Works are taking place over the weekend and at night to reduce the impact that this will have on families and businesses," he added.
Uisce Éireann advised people in the affected areas to fill up containers and store their water, turn off all pre-programmed appliances such as dishwashers and ensure taps are turned off before the works start.
It said people in the impacted locations can also access alternative supplies in areas including Seaview Park in Portrane, Island View in Malahide, Donabate Portrane Community Centre car park, Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Club, and St Colmcille’s GAA Club and St Finian’s Church in Swords.
