Residents of Ballyheigue in County Kerry are confronting the prospect of a Christmas without drinking water from their public supply, according to the Irish Independent. The town held a heated public meeting on the issue, the newspaper reports, after a local councillor described the supply as "kaput."
Bottled water has been made available in Ballyheigue from today, RadioKerry.ie reports. An emergency water source is also being sought for the town, according to the Irish Independent.
The problem stems from salt water contamination of the supply. Farmers are seeking clarity on the situation, Agriland reports, as the contamination affects the local water source.
Politicians have also weighed in. A senator and a TD have highlighted plans for a new water main intended to deliver safe, drinkable water to households on the Ballyheigue Public Water Supply, RadioKerry.ie reports.
The timing is particularly difficult for the community, with the Irish Independent noting that the town is facing the Christmas period without a usable drinking water supply. The public meeting drew a strong turnout and animated discussion, the newspaper reports.
What to watch next: whether an emergency source is confirmed and when the proposed new water main for the Ballyheigue supply moves forward.