Families and businesses across Newport, Ballina, Birdhill, Ballinahinch, Killoscully and nearby areas can resume normal use of their water supplies after Uisce Éireann lifted the Boil Water Notice.

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), the utility confirmed that drinking water is safe to use for consumption, food preparation and everyday activities after a series of satisfactory water quality tests.

The measure had been introduced on 25 October during Storm Boelo when intense rainfall rapidly affected raw water quality from the Mulkear River, Newport's source, increasing debris, colour and turbidity that place additional demands on treatment processes.

Since the notice was imposed, drinking water teams have increased monitoring, carried out extensive sampling and progressed upgrades at the local treatment plant. With compliant test results and HSE input, the restriction has now been removed.

Uisce Éireann acknowledged the disruption caused and thanked the local community for its patience and cooperation while essential works were completed to enable the safe lifting of the notice.

Work to bolster resilience is continuing. Teams are upgrading the filtration system and electronic controls at the water treatment plant to improve responsiveness to changing raw water conditions, alongside further process enhancements to strengthen performance.

Until these upgrades are finished, the Newport supply remains vulnerable during periods of particularly challenging river conditions, and additional Boil Water Notices may still be required in the months ahead. Protecting public health remains the top priority. A larger, longer-term investment programme for Newport's supply is also being advanced, with elements accelerated to address the increasing challenges at the plant and to improve reliability for homes, businesses and the wider community.

Anthony Phelan, Uisce Éireann, said: "We know how disruptive a Boil Water Notice can be for families, businesses and everyday life, and I want to sincerely thank everyone in the community for the patience and understanding they have shown while this notice has been in place.

"Our drinking water teams have worked hard to resolve the issue and, following satisfactory water quality results, we're very pleased that people can now return to using their water supply as normal. However, the Newport supply remains vulnerable to further boil water notices. The quality of water in the Mulkear River can change significantly following heavy rainfall, which can put additional pressure on the treatment processes at the plant.

"That's why we're taking action now. Upgrades to the plant are progressing and are due to be completed by the end of the year. We are also advancing a significant longer-term investment to make Newport's water supply more resilient.

"Until those immediate upgrades are complete, there remains a risk that further Boil Water Notices may be needed if raw water conditions become particularly challenging. Protecting public health has been and will always be our priority.

"We will continue to keep the Newport community informed as these improvements progress and will share updates if there are any changes that could affect the water supply."

Customers can stay up to date via the supply and service section on water.ie, the live feed on X @IWCare, or by signing up for real-time text alerts. Uisce Éireann's customer care team is available 24/7 on 1800 278 278.