Nighttime restrictions introduced on Inis Meáin as islands’ supplies remain under strain

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers on the three Oileáin Árann to conserve water where possible, as supplies of treated water on all three islands remain under significant strain. 

Nighttime restrictions are being introduced on Inis Meáin from this evening (Thursday) in order to protect daytime supply. These will be in place from 7pm this evening until 7am in the morning and will remain in effect for a week, after which they will be reassessed.

The restrictions are being introduced in response to a burst on a water main yesterday, which led to a significant fall in the island’s reserves of treated water. This burst has now been repaired.

Restrictions also remain in effect on both Inis Mór and Inis Oírr. The restrictions on Inis Mór are in effect nightly from 5pm to 9am, while on Inis Oírr restrictions are in place from 11pm until 6am nightly.

Leo O’Shea of Uisce Éireann said the restrictions remain necessary in order to ensure a full continuous daytime supply.

“Rainfall levels on the islands have not recovered at the same rate as on the mainland, and despite visitor numbers on the islands having fallen in recent weeks, the treated water supplies of all three islands have not yet recovered to normal levels,” said Leo.

“This issue has been exacerbated on Inis Meáin in the last 24 hours as a result of the burst main. We are introducing nighttime restrictions on Inis Meáin for the first time this summer in order to safeguard the daytime supply for homes, businesses and essential services on the island.”

Uisce Éireann would like to thank customers on the Oileáin Árann for their support as work continues to ensure continuity of water supply for all.

Simple steps taken at home, on farms, in gardens, and in businesses can make a real difference in protecting supplies during this period. Water conservation tips and advice are available on the Conservation section of our website.

Members of the public can report leaks in the public water network by calling 1800 278 278 or online through the Report a Leak section of our website.

Uisce Éireann's customer care team is available 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries.

For further updates, visit the Water Service Updates section of our website.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours. To register for additional support, visit our Vulnerable Customers page.