Serious issues with contaminated flood water in an Athlone residential area will not be fully addressed until the completion of the town's 100 million euro drainage project.
Westmeath County Council made the statement after a local councillor highlighted the situation in the Deer Park Road area in the town.
Aengus O'Rourke described how waste water regularly forces its way up through pipes in local houses and overflows from sinks, toilets and showers.
In response to the County Cathoirleach, council officials confirmed that Irish Water is aware the water network in the area is adversely affected when the River Shannon floods.
While crews attempt to mitigate the effects, the local authority says the issue won't be fully resolved until the completion of Uisce Eireann's Athlone Main Drainage Project in three years time.
