The Athlone Main Drainage Project involves the construction of new pumping stations at Golden Island and Coosan West, and almost 3km of new sewers.

Sue McMillan says the fact Irish Water were aware repairs were being carried out, and the colouring of the water had been impacted, customers should have been notified.

Irish Water released a statement to Shannonside FM this morning.

The meeting heard the plant water usage increased by 20 per cent during the cold spell.

It's expected the works will continue into March.

It follows the imposition of night-time water restrictions on a large area of Longford.

Councillor Enda McGloin believes the netting needs to be installed to prevent birds from landing on the exposed water and potentially spreading disease.

The restriction will be in effect from 10pm tonight until 6am tomorrow morning and is to due to operational issues at the Athlone Water Treatment Plant