Six weeks extension of hosepipe ban

Uisce Éireann has extended the Water Conservation Order for the Kells-Oldcastle Public Water Supply for an additional six weeks, until Tuesday, 16th September 2025.

The Conservation Order was issued initially in early May in a bid to safeguard the water supply for essential purposes. The implementation of the order followed a long period of unseasonably dry weather over the autumn, winter and spring as well as steady demand.

The water level in Lough Bane which supplies the Kells-Oldcastle area remains well below average for this time of year. Since May 2024, rainfall measured in the nearby Mullingar Met station has been below average when compared to historical rainfall records. There was 974mm of rainfall measured in Mullingar between May 2024 and July 2025 compared to historical records of 1,207mm for the same period. This equates to a 19% reduction in rainfall over that period.

It is expected, based on the typical trend for this time of year, that water levels will continue to decrease over the summer period. It would take several weeks of sustained rainfall to allow affected water sources to recover to normal levels.

Michael Cunniffe, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager in Meath, stated: “Although we’ve seen some welcome rainfall in recent weeks, 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 this vulnerable supply. That’s why we are reminding everyone to continue to conserve water. Every drop counts.”

“The efforts by the public to date are greatly appreciated and alongside our work to reduce leakage and manage the network, have played a vital role in protecting Lough Bane. If the people of Kells-Oldcastle continue to play their part by conserving water, we can reduce the potential of restrictions and outages over the coming weeks and months,” said Michael.

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.