Dublin: Ireland’s national water supplier, Uisce Éireann, will extend its hosepipe ban in 13 counties until the end of September.
The ban will be lifted in counties including Donegal and Sligo following improved water availability and increased rainfall. Residents in these areas will be permitted to use hosepipes again from August 26 at 11:59 pm local time.
However, water supplies remain under pressure in parts of eastern and southern Ireland. As a result, restrictions will continue in counties including Dublin and Wicklow, with residents urged to avoid non-essential water use.
Uisce Éireann introduced the Water Conservation Order (WCO) across the Republic of Ireland on July 24 following high water demand and prolonged periods of low rainfall. The order restricts the use of hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars or boats, and filling paddling pools, ponds and fountains.
Uisce Éireann said the decision to lift restrictions across much of the country reflects improved water supply conditions and the efforts of communities to reduce unnecessary consumption. Margaret Attridge of Uisce Éireann said water sources in parts of the east and south require additional time to recover. She urged residents in the affected counties to continue using only the water they need and to avoid non-essential consumption.
The hosepipe ban will continue until the end of September in Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow. The restrictions will be lifted in Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath.
Uisce Éireann said continued efforts to conserve water will help protect local supplies and ensure sufficient water remains available for essential daily needs.
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