Northern Ireland

Burst pipe causes school and businesses to shut in north Belfast

Repair work got underway on Belfast's Limestone Road after a burst water main left nearby buildings including a school without a water supply. Picture by Mal McCann
Repair work got underway on Belfast's Limestone Road after a burst water main left nearby buildings including a school without a water supply. Picture by Mal McCann Repair work got underway on Belfast's Limestone Road after a burst water main left nearby buildings including a school without a water supply. Picture by Mal McCann

BUSINESSES and a school in north Belfast have been forced to shut after a burst pipe left them without a water supply.

The rupture under the Limestone Road led to water pouring out of what was first thought by a councillor to be a "sinkhole".

The issue, which was reported during the morning rush hour, was confirmed by NI Water to be a burst water main.

With water cut off at Holy Family Primary School and nursery, parents were told to come and collect their children shortly after midday.

"Unfortunately we have to close the school and nursery unit," a school spokesperson said in a social media post.

"We have no water for our toilets. This is a health and safety issue."

North Belfast Sinn Féin councillor Conor Maskey, who posted footage online of the water pouring from the ruptured road this morning, praised authorities for "moving quickly" to make the area safe and return water supplies.

Other outlets forced to close as a result of the issue included a hair salon and a youth club.

A spokesperson for NI Water said today it was carrying out emergency repair work, but the location of the rupture "is making the repair challenging, as there are other utility services in the area".

They added: "However, our teams have carried out rezoning which allows water to be brought from other areas to keep some customers in supply. As the repair progresses, some customers may experience a loss of supply or intermittent supply/poor water pressure. NI Water would like to thank customers for their patience while this emergency repair work is undertaken."

Footage posted to social media shows water streaming from a rupture at Limestone Road
Footage posted to social media shows water streaming from a rupture at Limestone Road Footage posted to social media shows water streaming from a rupture at Limestone Road