The scene of the pipe burst on the Ballymahon Road, Athlone, this morning. Photo: Ann Hennessy

Water supplies hit by major Athlone pipe burst

Several areas in and around Athlone are currently being affected by cuts to their water supply due to a serious pipe burst on the Ballymahon Road.

The water main burst at 2.30am this morning (Tuesday) and it has resulted in significant flooding on the road, around the entrance to the Mayfield Grove housing estate.

In its latest statement, issued at 12.30pm, Irish Water said supply to customers in Annagh, Ballykeeran, Glasson, Mount Temple, and Ories was being disrupted. 

In addition, it warned that the disruption to supply would soon spread to areas on the east side of the town. 

"As the water level in the Annagh reservoir drops, customers on the east side of Athlone will experience reductions in water pressure and widespread disruptions to water supply this afternoon," it said.

The statement went on to say that both Irish Water and Westmeath County Council were working on isolating and fixing the burst as quickly as possible. 

"The current estimated time for restoration of supply is 8pm this evening," it said. 

Irish Water apologised to customers affected by the disruption. 

The number for the Irish Water customer care helpline is 1850 278 278 and people are being asked to quote this reference number - WME015467 - in order to receive updates on the situation.