Night-time water restrictions on Inis Oírr lifted with immediate effect
09 November 2023
Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council wish to advise customers on Inis Oírr that essential overnight water restrictions that were in place on the public water supply have been lifted.
Water restrictions have been in effect on the Island nightly between 11pm and 7am and were introduced in order to conserve the low water resources on the Island.
Commenting, Justin Doran, Uisce Éireann said: “The restrictions were necessary over the summer months to ensure a continuous daily water supply was available for residents and businesses for hygiene and other essential purposes. Supplies were increased by a significant amount of tankering of water by sea from Rossaveel over the past number of months. Thankfully water reserves on the island have recovered and are currently sufficient to ensure a continuous water supply into the winter. Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council will continue to monitor and maintain the supply for our customers on Inis Oírr.
“We would like to thank residents, businesses and visitors to the Island for their conservation efforts during the restrictions.”
Updates are available on the Water Supply Updates section of water.ie, on X (formerly Twitter) @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
Business customers can sign up to Uisce Éireann’s text alert service to receive updates on supply interruptions over four hours in duration at www.water.ie/business-updates. To register as a vulnerable customer or as an alternative contact, visit www.water.ie/vulnerablecustomer.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.
Previous Updates
Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council are reminding customers on Inis Oírr to conserve water as essential overnight water restrictions are being introduced in order to maintain reservoir levels on the island. The restrictions will be in place nightly from 11pm until 7am starting Wednesday, 31 May 2023.
Eoin Hughes, Uisce Eireann’s Asset Operations Lead for Galway is mindful of the impact that these restrictions can have on customers but stresses their importance: “These restrictions are necessary to ensure a continuous daily water supply is available for residents and businesses on Inis Oírr. The timing of these restrictions will mean minimal disruption to customers on the island."
“We are asking customers to be mindful of how they use water. Simple water conservation efforts can have a big impact on reducing demand on the supply. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and shaving can save up to 6 litres of water per minute. Taking a shower instead of a bath or using a watering can rather than a hose when gardening can also make a big difference in water use. We are also reminding people with responsibility for properties that are currently unoccupied to check for leaks and turn off water where it is not required. There are lots more tips on how to conserve water in your home on our Conservation page”
Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council would like to thank customers for their efforts as work continues to ensure continuity of water supply for all. For further information please visit our Supply and Service Updates section on our website. The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 and customers can call us on 1800 278 278 and contact us on Twitter @IWCare.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.