LATEST: Landowner negotiations move forward for new water source in Tipperary

The move comes as the Boil Water Notice affecting 5,000 in Tipperary since February remains in place

Efforts to secure a new water source for Tipperary Town are set to take a significant step forward in the next few weeks, with exploratory drilling due to begin at one location identified as having potential long-term water supply.

The move comes as the Boil Water Notice affecting approximately 5,000 people supplied by the Cordangan Water Treatment Plant remains in place.

The notice was issued on 12 February after elevated turbidity levels in the plant's raw water source compromised the treatment process and raised concerns about water quality.

According to Uisce Éireann, the underlying issue stems from structural damage to one of the boreholes that supplies the treatment plant.

The damage has affected the quality of the raw water entering the system, creating ongoing treatment challenges.

Hydrogeological assessments had already been carried out in recent months prior to the damage, to identify possible alternative sources of water and exploratory drilling is now expected to begin at one site.

The work will assess both the volume of water available and groundwater quality, helping determine the most suitable long-term source for the town's supply.

While the search for a permanent solution progresses, Uisce Éireann continues to work on interim measures aimed at safely lifting the Boil Water Notice.

The utility says operational adjustments introduced at the treatment plant over recent weeks have improved consistency in the treatment process. Treated water is also undergoing extensive testing and monitoring.

However, officials maintain that these measures are temporary and that a new water source remains the only sustainable long-term solution.

Speaking on Friday May 29 about the project, Uisce Éireann's Pierce Faherty said the commencement of drilling works represented an important milestone.

"The long-term solution to the ongoing supply challenges for our customers in Tipperary Town is a new water source," he said. "It is a very positive step forward as crews arrive to begin drilling works to secure a new supply of water."

Faherty said the utility would work over the coming months to meet all regulatory and legal requirements necessary to connect a new source to the treatment plant. He also explained why the Boil Water Notice has remained in place for several months.

"To disinfect the water effectively, we rely on a certain level of turbidity," he said. "If there is too much sediment in the water, as there is now because of the damaged borehole, it’s harder to adequately treat the water."

The town's water supply faces additional pressures during periods of high demand and supply levels can become strained during prolonged warm weather. Uisce Éireann Operations Lead Oliver Harney said public health remains the organisation's primary concern.

"We hope to lift the Boil Water Notice as soon as it's safe to do so, but public health is our primary concern," he said.

The utility had already been investigating alternative water sources before the borehole failure occurred. Faherty said a team of hydrologists had identified three potential locations, though their suitability will only become clear once drilling and testing are completed.

Negotiations with landowners have been ongoing to gain access to the proposed sites, a process Uisce Éireann acknowledges can take time. However, Harney confirmed that progress has been made at one location.

"One of the three sites has progressed to the point where we have engaged a contractor, and drilling should begin within the next few weeks to determine whether an alternative supply can be found," he said.

With exploratory drilling now set to begin, residents will be watching closely for signs of progress after nearly four months under the Boil Water Notice.

While Uisce Éireann says there is still significant work ahead before a new source can be brought into operation, the upcoming investigations are expected to provide a clearer picture of how quickly a permanent solution can be delivered for Tipperary Town.