Kells hosepipe ban extended

Uisce Éireann has announced an extension of the Water Conservation Order more commonly referred to as a hosepipe ban for the Kells-Oldcastle Public Water Supply in Co Meath.

The order will now remain in effect for an additional seven weeks, until Monday, 4th August, 2025.

Uisce Éireann say that while recent weeks have brought cooler and wetter weather, water supplies in several parts of the country remain under significant pressure. Twenty supplies nationally remain in drought status, and Uisce Éireann continues to monitor and manage these areas closely.

It would take several weeks of sustained rainfall to allow affected water sources to recover to normal levels. Forecasts also indicate a likely return to warmer, drier weather from next week, which could further increase demand and place additional strain on already stressed supplies.

Michael Cunniffe, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager in Meath, stated: “Although we’ve seen some welcome rainfall, the long-term effects of a dry autumn, winter, and spring are still being felt. Some water sources have not recovered to sustainable levels, and so extending the Water Conservation Order is necessary to protect these vulnerable supplies.

“Nationally there are 20 locations across the country which remain in drought status across counties Westmeath, Donegal, Meath, Cork, Clare, Galway, Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Offaly and Laois. That’s why we are reminding everyone - regardless of whether they are in an area under a formal order—to continue to conserve water. Every drop counts, especially as we move into what is expected to be a warmer, drier period.”

The Water Conservation Order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users and commercial premises for non-commercial activities. This measure is essential to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services.