By Pat Flynn

Fire crews have dealt with a fire at a water treatment plant in Co Clare this morning.

The alarm was raised at 3.30am. Two units of the fire brigade from Ennis were initially sent to the scene at Drumcliffe on the outskirts of Ennis.

Fire crews entered the heavily smoke-logged building and commenced a search for the source of the fire.

The plant, which supplies drinking water to more than 30,000 consumers in Ennis Town and its environs, was quickly shut down while fire crews located and dealt with what has been confirmed to have been an electrical fire.

A hydraulic aerial platform from Ennis and an additional fire appliance from Shannon were then requested.

ESB engineers were also called to the scene.

Shortly after 5am it was confirmed the fire had been successfully extinguished while fire crews continued to ventilate the building to clear it of smoke.

Irish Water said the plant was immediately shut down in order to isolate electricity to the affected area but there was no impact on water supply as customers continued to be serviced from a reservoir attached to the plant.

Full production recommenced at the plant at 6.30am this morning and will be increased over the course of the day to replenish supplies at the reservoir.