West Cork faces overnight water restrictions as summer demand strains supply

• Uisce Éireann implements essential overnight water cuts from 10pm to 7am across six West Cork communities to protect daytime supply, with restrictions running until Saturday morning.

Residents and businesses across West Cork are bracing for overnight water restrictions beginning tonight, as Uisce Éireann moves to protect daytime water supplies amid continued high summer demand on the Abbeystrowry Reservoir system.

The restrictions, which will run from 10pm tonight until 7am each morning through to Saturday, 23 August, will affect thousands of households and businesses across Lisheens, Baltimore, Sherkin Island, Ballydehob, Schull, and Heir Island. The measure comes as the utility company struggles to balance water demand during what has been a particularly busy tourist season along the West Cork coast.

Niall O'Riordan, Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann, said:

"These restrictions are required to address high water usage and to allow the reservoir time to replenish overnight. We are asking the public to get behind us and to conserve water. It is important that we all consider our water usage: even small changes can make a significant difference, for example, turning off the hose to water the garden and avoiding power washing the car."

The timing of the restrictions, while designed to minimise disruption to businesses and essential services during daytime hours, will still pose challenges for hospitality businesses in the affected areas, particularly those serving breakfast or requiring early morning water for food preparation. Local residents are being advised to fill containers before 10pm each evening to ensure they have water for overnight needs.

The situation highlights the ongoing pressure on water infrastructure across Cork County, where a Water Conservation Order remains in place until Tuesday, 16 September 2025. This order, which excludes Cork city, underscores the broader challenges facing water supply management during peak summer months when tourist numbers swell the population of coastal communities.

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that water tanker trucks are supplementing supplies to several affected areas, though specific locations for these tankers have not been disclosed. The utility company is monitoring reservoir levels continuously and may need to implement additional measures if the situation doesn't improve.

The affected communities, popular summer destinations for both tourists and Cork city dwellers seeking coastal retreats, have been encouraged to report any visible leaks immediately to help safeguard supplies. With Baltimore and Schull particularly busy during the summer sailing season, and Sherkin Island dependent on water transported via undersea pipes, the restrictions could significantly impact the region's tourism sector if extended beyond Saturday.

Residents seeking updates can sign up for Uisce Éireann's free text alert service at www.water.ie using their Eircode and mobile number. Real-time updates are also available through the Water Supply Updates section on water.ie, on X (formerly Twitter) @IWCare, or by calling the 24/7 customer care helpline on 1800 278 278.

For water conservation tips and advice on reducing household consumption, visit www.water.ie/conservation/.