Close on 6,000 Irish Water customers in the South Connemara have had their ‘do not consume’ restriction lifted since October 24 last – however, a similar notice remains in place for the islanders of Inishbofin.

Approximately 250 Irish Water customers in Rossaveal – served by the local reservoir – now have a ‘boil water’ notice in place due to low levels of chlorine and detections of coliform bacteria in parts of that supply network.

In a statement issued by Irish Water, they said that the ‘do not consume’ notice for 5,675 customers in the Spiddal Supply Scheme had been lifted following consultations with the Health Services Executive (HSE) and Galway County Council.

Dr. Pat O’Sullivan of Irish Water said that they were pleased to lift the notice which had been very disruptive for the local community.

“We would like to thank all the residents and businesses who were affected by this notice for their patience and co-operation, while it was in place to protect public health,” said Dr. O’Sullivan.

Local councillor Pádraig Mac an Iomaire (FG) said there was a lot of relief in the area that the normal supply had been restored for thousands of people who had to rely on tankered water since the middle of last September.

“At last, it is very good news for the South Connemara area after a lot of inconvenience for the previous five or six weeks.

“I think though that there should be better communication and information from Irish Water with local people when these types of problems occur,” said Cllr. Mac an Iomaire.

Meanwhile, over 150 Irish Water customers in Inishbofin, are still on a ‘do not consume’ notice despite increasing water levels in the supply source at Lough Fawna, following heavier than average rainfall through the month of October.

Local Clifden councillor, Eileen Mannion (FG), told the Connacht Tribune that while the water levels had risen, there was no still no clear indication from Irish Water as when the ‘do not consume’ notice would be lifted.

“We’re into November now and with Christmas around the corner, I am calling on Irish Water to work as expeditiously as possible to get this issue sorted out. It just has dragged on for too long,” said Cllr. Mannion.

Both the Spiddal and Inishbofin water pollution problems were caused by high levels of manganese, a naturally occurring element in the ground. Manganese concentration tends to increase in water sources as levels drop following extended drier periods of weather.