Latest news with #DamienO'Sullivan
Extra.ie
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Extra.ie
Hose pipe ban in three areas amid 'sensible' warning
A hose pipe ban has come into effect for some Irish counties for the coming four weeks. The ban was introduced during the week and will last until June 16, 2025 due to water shortages which are common in the summertime. The ban means the use of hose pipes to water your garden and recreational park/ sports ground is prohibited as is for the use of washing cars and trailers. A hose pipe ban has come into effect for some Irish counties for the coming four weeks. Pic: Getty Images The ban is in place for Mullingar, Co Westmeath; Milford, Co Donegal and Kells-Oldcastle in Co Meath. People in the affected areas are also not allowed to use water for commercial car wash facilities and filling up pools, ponds and lakes. Uisce Éireann have implemented the hose pipe ban, which is also known as a water conservation order, stating that water is kept for essential reasons only. Those in the affected areas are also being urged to take shorter showers and 'refrain from baths unless absolutely necessary.' Pic: Getty Images The company said they were appealing to the communities to restrict their water usage as a result of the 'current prolonged spell of dry weather, coupled with increased demand' putting pressure on the water supplies. Uisce Éireann's Damien O'Sullivan appealed to the people to be 'sensible about how they use their water so that we have enough for everyone and that the businesses can continue to operate as normal.' He added that the organisation's top priority was to 'protect' water for the use within homes, businesses and essential services. Those in the affected areas are also being urged to take shorter showers and 'refrain from baths unless absolutely necessary.' They are also asked to check for any leaks on outdoor taps or troughs which could lead to a large loss of treated water. Any visible leaks on the public network can be reported to Uisce Éireann at or by phone on 1800 278 278.
Irish Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
Uisce Éireann urging communities to conserve water and reduce usage
Uisce Éireann is urging communities across County Donegal to make every effort to conserve water and reduce usage. The appeal comes as the current prolonged spell of dry weather, coupled with increased demand, is putting significant pressure on water supplies in the county. A Water Conservation Order, commonly referred to as a hosepipe ban, remains in place for Milford Regional Public Water Supply. While this order only applies to customers supplied by the public water supply in Milford, Kerrykeel, Ramelton and not the rest of the county, supplies in other areas of Donegal are now under pressure. These include Letterkenny, Buncrana, Ballybofey, Stranorlar, Carrigart, Downings and surrounding areas. Speaking about the urgent need to conserve water, Uisce Éireann's Damien O'Sullivan said: "We are appealing to residents, businesses and the farming community in Donegal to reduce their water usage as this period of dry and warm weather continues. 'We are asking people to be sensible about how they use their water so that we have enough for everyone and that the businesses of Donegal can continue to operate as normal. Uisce Éireann's top priority is to protect our water supply for use in homes, businesses and essential services. 'Since September 2024, rainfall in Donegal has been below average when compared to historical rainfall records. 'There was only 67 per cent (487mm) of rain at the weather station in Malin Head, Donegal between September 2024 and March 2025 compared to historical records for Malin Head (724mm). 'Met Éireann is forecasting a further spell of dry, warm weather. As a result, we are heading into the summer months with lower-than-average water levels. 'In response, we have increased our efforts in leakage detection, pipe repair and overall network management. 'We have also deployed extra resources to finding and fixing critical leaks in the water network across County Donegal. 'However, we are appealing to customers in Letterkenny, Buncrana, Ballybofey, Stranorlar, Carrigart, Downings and surrounding areas to think about their water usage and make efforts to conserve water. As temperatures rise, so too does our water consumption. To protect supply, we are asking everyone to be mindful of their water use.' The public is being asked to: Where householders experience very low flow or pressure, lower than neighbouring properties, they may have a service pipe leak. Uisce Éireann's First-Fix-Free Scheme can help with the location and repair of external leaks. Details at or call 1800 278 278.
