Released on: January 18, 2008, 8:56 am

Press Release Author: Mark Dunphy/Dunphy Public Relations

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: County Limerick, 18th January 2008 - A drinking water notice
issued earlier this week to parts of Bruff, County Limerick is to remain in place
until further notice, Limerick County Council announced today.

Press Release Body: Limerick County Council issued the notice last Monday, on the
advice of the Health Services Executive (HSE), after low levels of lead were
detected in some town centre premises.

However, the results of extensive monitoring carried out during the past week have
been encouraging, according to the Water Services Authority.

Mr. Paul Crowe, Director of Services, stated, "At the marginally elevated levels of
lead initially detected, there is no recognised health risk attached to short term
consumption. The drinking water notice remains in place, however, as a precautionary
measure."

He continued, "Council staff, who will be carrying appropriate ID, will be
conducting further tests on the water in Bruff early next week. Limerick County
Council is offering to test the water for any premises in the above affected area
for traces of lead. The turnaround time for samples will be seven to ten days."

"In the meantime, however, we ask people in the affected area not to drink water
from the main supply while they should also ensure that ice cubes in fridges and
freezers are discarded. We would also ask the public to inform the County Council
of elderly or disabled residents, who may require special assistance", added Mr.
Crowe.

Mr. Crowe indicated that Limerick County Council would issue a further update next
week.

The areas of the town affected by the notice are Main Street, from the Bake House to
The Top Shop; and the Hospital Road, from Main Street to O'Leary's Coalyard. Two
helplines, 061-496326 (9.30-4.30) and 061-419226 (after hours), have been set up to
advise members of the public in the affected areas.

Limerick County Council is currently out to tender for a new watermain in Bruff.
The tender is being amended in the light of the most recent results to include for
the replacement of any lead service pipes from the watermain to the stopcock
(boundary box) at each affected premises in Main Street.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
- Mr. Paul Crowe is available for interview. To arrange please call Mark Dunphy of
Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com.
- Further information on Limerick County Council is available from www.lcc.ie.

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