Approximately 40,000 households and business are without a water supply in Dublin following a burst on a high-pressure main.
Uisce Eireann, formerly known as Irish Water, is rushing to locate the burst main deep underground so it can restore services to parts of the city centre and surrounding suburbs.
However, it warned works could continue until 6pm on Friday with customers also advised to allow for an additional two-to-three hours after the estimated restoration for their full supply to return.
The water utility said it is working with Dublin City Council to restore supply as quickly as possible to impacted customers.
Dedicated water services crews are onsite working on repairs and “every effort is being made to reduce the impact on homes and businesses”.
Crews are also reconfiguring the network to maintain customers’ supplies where possible.
In a statement, Uisce Eireann said repairs are complex due to the location of the dig and the presence of other underground services.
The affected areas include Dolphins Barn, Harolds Cross, Kilmainham, Fleet Street, Brunswich Street, The Liberties, Gardener Street, Dorset Street, Drumcondra, Whitehall, Artane, Coolock, Beaumont, Fairview, Raheny, Clontarf, Killester, Home Farm and surrounding areas.
Uisce Eireann technician Joe O’Reilly said: “The repairs are being conducted as quickly and as efficiently as possible to minimise disruption to homes and businesses and restore water for all customers.
“We understand the inconvenience an unplanned outage can have and we appreciate your patience as we work to return normal water supply as quickly as possible.”
The Uisce Eireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and updates are also available on the utility’s website.