More than 100,000 households in the Poleglass / Dunmurry area on the outskirts of Belfast were affected when cryptosporidium bacteria were detected in their water supply.

Regional development minister Gregory Campbell said the instruction to boil water had been lifted after a meeting of the Outbreak Control Team on Monday.

Speaking in the Assembly, Mr Campbell said the group was satisfied the danger had passed following a series of tests on the water supply.

"Work has recently been completed on bypassing part of the Lagmore Conduit where it is believed the water supply was contaminated, and clean water is now flowing into the Poleglass Reservoir and other reservoirs in the area.

"This has been a worrying incident for many people in the area affected, and I regret that many people became ill.

He said a detailed report into the incident was being prepared.