Water Restrictions Extended for West Cork Communities Until Wednesday

• Overnight water cuts affecting thousands across Schull, Baltimore and surrounding areas will continue for four more nights as Uisce Éireann battles high summer demand.

Residents and businesses supplied by the Abbeystrowry Reservoir face extended overnight water restrictions until Wednesday, 27 August, with supplies cut off from 10pm to 7am each night. The measure affects popular tourist destinations and residential areas across West Cork, including Baltimore, Schull, Ballydehob, Sherkin Island, Heir Island and Lisheens.

The restrictions, already in place, have been extended due to continued high water demand during the summer period, with Uisce Éireann urging customers to conserve water wherever possible.

Michael Bell, Water Network Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann, said:

"These restrictions are necessary to allow water supplies to catch up with the increased levels of demand we are seeing. We are asking the public to get behind us and to conserve water. Simple actions, such as taking a shorter shower or placing a basin in the sink can make a significant impact."

The timing of the restrictions, while aimed at preserving daytime supply for homes and businesses, poses particular challenges for West Cork's hospitality sector during peak tourist season. Hotels, restaurants and B&Bs in the affected areas must now carefully manage their water usage during evening service hours.

Uisce Éireann is actively supplementing reservoir levels across the county with water tanker trucks, whilst a Water Conservation Order remains in effect for all of Cork County, excluding Cork city.

The utility company is encouraging residents to report any visible leaks on the public network to help safeguard supplies. Bell emphasised that reservoir levels will be monitored continuously over the coming days, with additional measures implemented if necessary to maintain essential supplies.

For those seeking updates on the situation, Uisce Éireann provides information through multiple channels. Customers can visit www.water.ie/conservation for water-saving tips, follow @IWCare and @IrishWater on X (formerly Twitter), or call the 24/7 customer care helpline on 1800 278 278.

A free text alert service is also available for real-time updates on local water issues. Residents can register using their Eircode and mobile number on the Uisce Éireann website.

The extended restrictions come during the final weeks of summer when West Cork's coastal communities typically experience sustained high visitor numbers, putting additional pressure on water infrastructure already stretched by the warmest months of the year.