Warning over Galway water crisis

Water contamination in Co Galway has become a crisis which needs immediate and urgent action, a mayor has warned.

Up to 90,000 homes and businesses are at at risk from the pollution which experts believe could last for up to six months.

Hoteliers and businesspeople have also warned that the problem, caused by the cryptosporidium parasite, could devastate the local economy until it is resolved.

Green Party Mayor of Galway Niall O Brolchain has called for emergency funding from the Government and the lifting of a cap on staff numbers to speed up work on restoring safe drinking water to the city.

At a City Council meeting on Wednesday evening, to call for greater urgency in finding the source of the contamination, Mr O Brolchain said the situation had now reached a crisis and people would have to be provided with safe and free drinking water.

Galway's publicans also said they would be seeking a rebate on charges for the contaminated water.

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) issued warnings to all its members within the contaminated zone to put guests on alert with visitors being told to use boiled or bottled water even when brushing teeth, washing food or making ice cubes.

John Power, IHF chief executive, said members have put strict measures in place to safeguard against the polluted water.

The Department for Environment and Local Government said it has already given 21.5 million euro to Galway City Council to upgrade the water treatment plant at the centre of the scare.

"It is a matter for the city council to accelerate progress with this project," said a Government spokesman.

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