'Leave the hose in the shed': Public urged to conserve water as supplies in drought status across Ireland
As the country is set to enjoy a long spell of warm weather, the water utility revealed the network was already experiencing increased pressure on supplies across several regions, including Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Clare, Dublin, Galway, Donegal, Meath, Westmeath, and Wexford.
"While Ireland experiences high levels of rainfall annually, much of this water is lost due to old water infrastructure that has suffered from historic under investment," a spokesperson said.
"This highlights the need for investment in our water networks and also compounds the need for water conservation."
Its tips to the public include:
Leave the hose in the shed: Use a rose-head watering can to water plants instead of a hose or sprinkler. Running a hose for just one hour uses as much water as a family would typically need in an entire day;
Bucket and sponge for your car: Using a bucket and sponge to wash your car can save hundreds of litres of water compared to using a hose or power washer;
Turn off the tap: Brushing your teeth with the tap running wastes up to six litres of water per minute. Turning it off while brushing can reduce that to just one litre;
Switch to a shower: Showers use about half the amount of water as baths. Invest in water saving appliances such as water-efficient taps and shower heads;
Shorter showers: With the average shower using seven litres of water per minute, turning your five-minute shower into four minutes could save up to seven litres of water per day.
Fully load your appliances: Always ensure your dishwasher and washing machine are fully loaded before use. A typical washing machine uses about 65 litres of water, and a dishwasher uses about 20 litres per cycle. By ensuring they are fully loaded, not only will you conserve water, but you will also reduce your energy bills.
While the warmer weather is certainly a welcome change, it does place additional demands on our water supplies. That is why we are asking people to join us in making small changes in their own daily routine to help conserve water.
"Simple steps can have a big impact in helping to maintain water reserves. Whether it is using a watering can in the garden, or turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, every individual action counts, and all adds up to making a positive contribution to benefit everyone,' said Uisce Éireann's head of water operations Margaret Attridge.
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Irish weather: Azores High to bring hot conditions and highs of 28C
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The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Please take care' alert ahead of 32C heat blast & 18-hr high temperature warning nationwide amid fears for GAA stars
IRELAND basked in sizzling heat on one of the hottest days of the year today amid fears for the safety of GAA players after bosses ruled out water breaks. Temperatures topped 29°C — but 6 Ireland may see highs of 32C Credit: METEOLOGIX 6 Caolán Creed, Ryan Cremin, Colm Moynihan, Rian Cotter, Felim Murphy and Seán O'Leary, all from Ballingeary in Rosscarbery, West Cork Credit: (C) Andy Gibson 086 738 8863 6 Fears have been raised for GAA players in the heat Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription It comes as However, the Meteorologist Cathal Nolan said: 'Ahead of an exceptionally busy weekend of GAA and sporting action across the country, it would be preferable if respective sporting bodies shared a directive on the permission of water breaks during play on account of the high 'For example, the READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS 'With values in some Midland and Northern counties [tomorrow] expected to reach up to 31 or 32°C, such breaks are important for player welfare. 'It's also advised that supporters bring plenty of liquids to the Water breaks, which would take place at the midway point of either half, were a feature of games at all levels during the Meanwhile, thousands headed to Most read in Irish News But tomorrow it's expected to climb to a blistering 32°C. Met Eireann senior forecaster Gerry Murphy said Ireland wasn't technically experiencing a heatwave — but it felt like one. Dream Irish weather forecast' as Met Eireann promise 28C temperatures with weekend heat blast He predicted tomorrow will be 'even hotter' as the glorious weather was enjoyed all over the country. He said: 'It's more considered to be a hot spell, because the definition for a heatwave in Ireland is five consecutive days above 25°C, but in this instance, we are only going to see those temperatures for four days. So, it's not a heatwave, but it certainly feels like a heatwave. Today will be hotter. 'We can expect places to exceed 30°C, especially in parts of the midlands.' But he doesn't expect the long-standing highest temperature to be broken over the coming days. Temperatures hit highs of 33.3°C in Mr Murphy added: 'It's not impossible and we will be approaching those figures but it's unlikely to reach 33°C during such a short spell of hot weather.' Temperatures between 13°C and 18°C are expected at night but conditions will not be 'very oppressive' as the air will be quite dry, rather than humid. However, there is still a risk of heat stress, especially in the eastern half of the country. Mr Murphy added: 'Please take care of those who may be vulnerable in this hot weather.' WEATHER WARNINGS A warning is currently in place for 14 counties, which will extend to the entire country tomorrow afternoon. Another Status Yellow high temperature warning has also been issued for 18 counties tomorrow. It will be in effect for all counties in Connacht as well as counties Carlow, Kildare, Laois, Clare, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Kilkenny, Donegal, Limerick and Tipperary. A status yellow high temperature warning is in place for the entire country tomorrow and Sunday. The hot, sunny conditions are expected to break early next week. The RNLI issued a warning about water safety as crowds flock to rivers, beaches and lakes across the country, with those enjoying the sun urged to only enter lifeguarded waterways. They have urged Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI water safety lead, said: 'Choosing a lifeguarded beach will mean our lifeguards can ensure you enjoy a safe visit. 'Please head to a lifeguarded beach and swim between flags. 'Remember, where there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.' FIRE RISK Meanwhile in Visitors to Marina Park, Fitzgerald's Park, Clashduv Park and Meelick Park — which are owned by Cork City Council — will have access to free SPF50 suncream through new dispensers, which will also feature a UV dial and a mirror to help people apply suncream. Government officials also issued a Status Red 'extreme fire risk' warning yesterday and will remain in place until noon on Monday. The public is being urged to act responsibly by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in order to prevent horrific fires. 6 Lauren Weldon and Rob Wye from Donabate at Burrow Beach in Donabate Credit: Garrett White - The Sun Dublin 6 Sunbathing at the beach in Rosscarbery, West Cork were Lucy Hodges, Ardfield and Eva Callaghan Credit: (C) Andy Gibson 086 738 8863 6 Sarah Dower enjoying the sunshine at the beach at Garrylucas Credit: Denis Boyle
The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
9 cheap & free hacks to stay cool while sleeping in hot weather – from avoiding fans to shutting windows & warm showers
IRELAND has been urged to shut the curtains, make sure windows and doors stay closed during the day and be wary of fans as temperatures soar to a boiling 32C this weekend. And as the country prepares to toss and turn as they try to settle down for the night, a sleep expert has revealed her top tips for staying cool in the sheets. 3 Met Eireann has issued a spate of weather warnings this weekend Credit: Met Eireann 3 Sleep expert Lucy shared her good night's sleep tips with the Irish Sun Credit: Paediatric Sleep Consultant Lucy Wolfe said the key goal is to cool down the room early and lower your body temperature. She told The Irish Sun: 'Certainly at the moment, I would explore things, anything that would cool you down because it is the cooling of the body down is the key thing. 'So even just having a warm shower or bath before bedtime, even though that feels counterintuitive, that can help drop the body temperature down, alongside creating your cool When it comes to bedding, Lucy recommends 100 per cent breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo - and she warned that a duvet is just "too big" at the moment. READ MORE ON HOT WEATHER She explained: "So, maybe just a sheet and be very conscious of what you're wearing, what you're eating and also trying not to stress. 'Because when you are not getting sleep or you're not staying asleep, we create a cycle of tension. 'So it's just staying grounded in it. Maybe some mindless activities, some reading, listening to 'The stress pumps up the adrenaline in the body as well.' MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN WINDOWS SHUT If taking a nap during the day, Lucy advises to keep those windows shut - as having them open could make the house even hotter. Stay Cool Hot Weather Bedroom Tips She explained: "It's only worth opening windows if it is cooler outside than it is inside. 'Sometimes it's not worth having the windows open when it's really hot outside. 'But as the day cools down, it's worth then having some windows open." But Lucy stressed that having the windows open could create more difficulty for those who live in noisy areas. She added: "So you've got to factor those things in, especially if you're thinking about leaving windows open overnight." The Paediatric Sleep Consultant explained the key is to cool down the bedroom during the day. She said: "It's definitely worth having blinds pulled down early in the day.' BODY TEMPS With temperatures high in the 30s, it can be very tempting to purchase a quick fix like a fan - but the buy may not be worth your money. Lucy advised: "In terms of the fans, they are a good idea. But sometimes they can just be a bit ineffective because they're just moving hot air around the room. 'So generally, I recommend that if you're using a fan, moving cold air around the room as opposed to warm air.' The expert admitted wearing pyjamas or going commando is a very 'personal choice'. The HSE recommends only using a fan if the temperature is below 35C in the room. CLOTHING CHOICE Lucy recommended wearing loose clothing that will let your skin breathe whilst trying to take a sleep. Swapping to breathable fabrics can be a game-changer in the heat. She said: "If you generally wear "Ideally made from natural materials like cotton or bamboo. 'I think it's about trying to cool everything down, to help you get asleep and to stay asleep.' FOOD OPTIONS Lucy encourages people to think about 'sleep-friendly She said: 'Heat and sleep don't go well together. Then obviously digestion creates heat. 'This is why the environment at the moment is unhelpful to get to sleep and stay asleep. 'So I think light meals are what would be recommended generally and avoiding heavy meals, two or three hours before bedtime. 'But there are sleep-friendly foods that you can incorporate, for example banana, wholewheat, some seeds, lettuce, turkey. 'They all have good sleep promoting properties, and that is where we usually go to when we are looking at a small supper style food.' NATURAL SCENTS When it comes to pillow sprays and oils, natural is the way to go. Lucy said: 'From a sleep hygiene perspective, I do encourage any supports that help your sleep. 'Some natural pillow sprays and natural oils diffused in the room can really be helpful to initiate a sense of calm and grounding. 'Because these are the ingredients that are helpful to get to sleep, so you're trying to create that constellation of things, especially at the moment where environmentally it's more challenging." COOLING GADGETS While Lucy 'is not mad about' cooling items like cooling pillows and mattresses, they can be worth exploring if they work for you. She said: 'Freezing your hot water bottle, freezing your socks, things like that to try and help lower the temperature. 'If your room is really warm, cooling pillows, anything really that would help cool things down.' The sleep pro stressed it's important to find what works for you. PERSONAL CHOICES She continued: 'There's some evidence to support white noise helping you to go into a deeper sleep quicker and fall asleep faster as a result of that and go into a deeper sleep. 'But I do think those things are personal preferences. "Some people will be driven insane by the white noise and other people find it comforting and soothing. "It can also can act as a barrier to mask outside noises. 'So again, I'm really open to exploration. These things can offer really good sleep supports, but not for everybody. "It's about trying to find out what's your individual sleep profile. 'Earplugs, eye masks, all these things can be great, but they are individualised.' UNWINDING For yogis who like a good stretch before bed, there's good news. Lucy said: 'I don't think we need to cut anything out. We would normally recommend that, avoiding strenuous activity two to three hours before bedtime, but gentle stretching, exercises, and yoga, they can be helpful to help relax the body. 'But at the moment, if you're finding that is heightening your body temperature, it might be worth doing it earlier in the evening time. 'So just remember that in order to get to sleep with ease, the body temperature needs to drop. 'Now that is a hormonal constellation biological process that you are trying to initiate by having regularity already embedded in your sleep profile. 'Regular wake times, a regular bedtime, some level of a pre-sleep ritual, and then maybe a few exercises or practices you have in play. That will help your body wind down.' BLACKOUT With the sky still bright at 10pm, the sleep pro said there are alternatives to black out blinds. She said: 'The brightness has such a big impact. It stimulates the waking part of the brain, which you're obviously trying not to do. 'So I guess in the absence of blackout blinds or curtains, I think an eye mask is a great way to help make it all dark.' Those who do have black out blinds will benefit from the shade, which will reduce your bedroom from summer sunlight. The handy blinds will also increase the privacy of your home at night. 3 There are multiple healthy habits you can have in order to get a better night's sleep Credit: Getty
Irish Examiner
16 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Public urged to take safety measures as temperatures set to rise to 30C
Soaring temperatures are set to continue this weekend, with the mercury to rise above 30C in places as the country swelters in the heat. Following on from a very hot Friday, Met Éireann forecasts temperatures to reach 30C on Saturday bringing with it a status yellow temperature warning. Although we may be more used to weather warnings for storms, a warning for high temperature brings with it water safety issues due to the increased use of lakes and beaches, and an increased risk of forest fires and heat stress, the forecaster said. The whole country is subject to the status yellow temperature warning from midday on Saturday until 6am on Sunday. As the public is told to take precautions during the period of hot, sunny weather, the Irish Cancer Society said on Friday that 70% of people say sunscreen is too expensive and a tenth say they don't wear it because they cannot afford it. The charity called on local authorities across the country to allocate funding for free sunscreen dispensers, and make them available across parks, playgrounds, beaches, and local sunspots. It comes as Cork City Council is set to roll out dispensers in four locations from this Monday. It includes Marina Park, Fitzgerald's Park, Clashduv Park, and Meelick. Irish Cancer Society cancer prevention manager Kevin O'Hagan said: 'Nearly nine out of every 10 cases of skin cancer are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds. 'Sun safety is vital and that means protecting your skin, wherever you are, home or abroad. With most Irish people having fair skin, this will burn much quicker at soaring temperatures, and this greatly increases the risk of skin cancer. 'That's why in our 2026 pre-budget submission, we're calling for city and county councils, especially those in coastal areas that are known sun destinations, to provide free sunscreen dispensers. We want to commend Cork City Council on taking this step forward and call on other local authorities to follow suit.' Water safety Meanwhile, the RNLI has asked those planning a trip to the coast or inland waterways to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe. They have urged people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, to check the weather forecast and tide times, and to read local hazard signage to understand local risks. The public has been urged to keep a close eye on family, both on the beach and in the water, and to make sure people do not swim alone. Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI water safety lead, said: "We are expecting people to head to the coast during the hot weather, it is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off in high temperatures. "Choosing a lifeguarded beach will mean our lifeguards can ensure you enjoy a safe visit. Please head to a lifeguarded beach, swim between flags. "If you find yourself in trouble, 'Float to Live'. Knowing this technique and encouraging your family to practice it, could save your life. "Whether you get into difficulty in the water at the coast or on any of our inland waters, 'Float to Live': tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. "Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It's fine if your legs sink — we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. "Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety." Water Safety Ireland urged anyone visiting the beach to enter the water slowly. It said: "Whether you're swimming, surfing, or paddleboarding, make safety your top priority." Read More Younger people drinking less but smoking more cannabis than older generations
