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Thousands of euro worth of food product at a
west Limerick company had to be destroyed because of the pollution
of the River Deel.
Pfizer, which makes adult and baby food products at its Askeaton
plant, confirmed last week that they had to close down production
and destroy products when they were alerted that the River
Deel had been polluted in an oil spill. The company said that
production has been restored, having secured an alternative
water supply.
Up to 7,000 people were still without water last week following
the oil spill, which caused serious pollution along a 20km
stretch of the river Deel and its tributaries.
Tankers distributed supplies at locations including Askeaton,
Foynes, Shanagolden, Kilcornan, Ballysteen and Creeves.
Water sampling tests were being carried out at the major
treatment plant near Foynes, which had been closed down after
the spill occurred at a commercial premises near Castlemahon,
spilling up to 2,000 litres of oil into the Deel.
Limerick County Council has engaged two environmental pollution
firms to assist the cleanup operation. The council has also
set up a helpline on 061 496493.
Council director of water services Paul Crowe said - "It
is still too early to indicate when normal water supply can
be restored throughout the affected area. However, the Council
is working closely with the regulatory authorities (HSE and
EPA) to ensure restoration of normal water supplies as soon
as feasible."
The council
said the owners of the commercial premises where the spill
occurred are cooperating fully with them.
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