WATER CRISIS: Here's where the temporary water stations are in East Meath & Louth

It will be at least Thursday now before 50,000 East Meath and Louth homes are reconnected to the mains water supply Irish Water has said.

The problem has led to severe disruption to the water supply in Drogheda and parts of east Meath since Friday with an initial restoration estimate of Monday night now pushed back until Thursday.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Conor Foley, Head of Irish Water operations for the East and Midlands, said all resources available are being used to try to restore supply.

Irish Water earlier said storage reservoir levels are critically depleted.

Several attempts to repair the water main have, so far, been unsuccessful due the complexity of the burst.

In a statement this morning, Irish Water said it will now be necessary to build another 'bespoke' solution 'from scratch'.

Irish Water said the disruptions affect Drogheda and parts of east Meath including Duleek, Lagavoreen, Donore, Ashbourne, Stamullen, Kentstown, Kilbride, Ratoath and Ardcath.

In its statement, it said: 'The rotating water roster, whereby water is rationed to different areas in a planned way has now been temporarily suspended.

'The shut-off should result in more available water in the reservoir.

'Irish Water must completely switch off the water in order to ensure supply to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda is maintained.'

People are advised to bring their own containers to avail of the water at the temporary water stations at locations across the region.

Temporary water stations across east Meath:

1/2 Duleek at the church x 2

3  Lagavoreen at entrance to the estate

4  Donore village at the church

5/6 Ashbourne at Race hill x 2

7  Stamullen on the Bellewstown road outside the housing estate

8  Kenstown outside the Londis in the car park

9  Ardcath at the church

10  Ratoath one at St Paul's School and

11 Ratoath National School Fairyhouse Road

12  Knockcommon (school)

13  Garristown (Snailbox carpark)

14  Curragha (church)

15  Kilbride Church (from Monday am)

16  Rossnaree Church (from Monday am)

Temporary water stations across Louth:

1  Stameen on the Dublin Road

2  Termonabbey

3  Marleys Lane

4  Bothar Brugha or Hardmans Gardens

5  Ballsgrove shops

6  Shop St North Quay

People are being reminded to boil water taken from these water stations as a precaution.

Please conact the Meath Chronicle to tell us how you are coping with the situation. Tel: 046 9079615. We'll call you straight back!