As parts of South Meath fall under 'hosepipe ban', here's what Uisce Éireann say you can't do

South Meath is among the affected areas of the Water Conservation Order issued by Uisce Éireann due to water shortages and reduced pressure due to come into effect from midnight (Thursday 16th July).

Uisce Éireann have introduced the restrictions, or hosepipe ban, as ‘absolutely necessary’.

“The aim of such an order is to suppress water demand – thus saving water – through the prohibition of certain non-essential activities for a specified period,” Uisce Éireann said.

The Greater Dublin Area is currently the affected part of the country within the order, which includes Dublin, as well as parts of Meath, Kildare, and Wicklow.

The areas of Meath affected as things stand are; Ashbourne, Clonee, Dunboyne, Gormanston, Kilcloon, Stamullen. This means that if you are a resident of these areas, it is prohibited to use a hosepipe or similar apparatus.

Exact breaches of the order include:

- Watering a garden using a hosepipe or similar apparatus.

- Cleaning a private motor vehicle using a domestic hosepipe.

- Cleaning a private leisure boat.

- Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool (except when using hand-held containers filled directly from a tap).

- Filling or maintaining a domestic pond (excluding fish ponds).

- Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain (except where used for commercial purposes).

- Filling or replenishing an artificial pond, lake or similar application.

It is currently being proposed that this order will run from 00:01 on Thursday, 16th July 2026 and cease to have effect at 23:59 on Wednesday, 26th August 2026.

The order may be extended if Uisce Éireann feels it is necessary, which will likely depend on weather conditions. It may also be extended to other water users in Meath if conditions continue.

Areas of Meath that could be included in the order due to expansion are Ratoath, Batterstown, Dunshaughlin, Clonalvy, and Rathfeigh, who currently sit just outside of the impact map.

If the situation improves, the order may be lifted before the proposed date on August 26th.

Anyone who contravenes the order could become subject to a fine not exceeding €5000, as they would be committing an offence pursuant to Section 56(18) of the Water Services Act 2007.

There are currently no overnight water restrictions in place for Meath, as Cavan is the only neighbouring county to be included in night time conservation steps.

Uisce Éireann are also encouraging people to use their water conservation calculator, to find out how much water you’re using, as well as offering water conservation tips for farming on their website.

There is also a customer contact centre which is open for queries from the public, as well as text alerts being sent to those who have signed up for customer information, and vulnerable customers, in areas where the order comes into place.