Public urged to conserve water amid ‘exceptionally warm weather’ – Irish Examiner

The public has been urged to conserve water ahead of the predicted heatwave to avoid the need for restrictions during the summer.

Irish Water has said supplies are operating normally and there are no plans to introduce restrictions at this time, but it expects to see an increase in demand for water over the coming weeks which "may put pressure on some supplies."

A high-temperature warning has been issued for Ireland beginning on Sunday, with people being advised to take precautions against getting sunburn or heatstroke.

The Status Yellow alert for "exceptionally warm weather" is set to be in effect from 6am on Sunday until 9pm on Tuesday, with temperatures of up to 32C or 33C possible in places on Monday and Tuesday.

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday will see exceptionally warm weather occurring over the country, another reminder about climate change, with June this year being Europes second warmest month ever on record.

In particular, rural areas have begun to come under pressure for water supplies, particularly in the south and midlands.

Measures are already being taken to protect supplies in parts of Cork, Tipperary, Clare and Galway.

With a status yellow high-temperature warning in place for Ireland, people are being urged to heed the advice of experts.

Tom Cuddy, Irish Water's Head of Asset Operations, said: "We will continue to monitor the levels at all our supplies over the coming weeks and months and take any actions that may be necessary to maintain supplies, including communicating about localised issues as they arise.

It is important that we all consider our water usage and look at simple yet impactful ways to conserve water.

"By reducing the water used in paddling pools, turning off the hose and avoiding power washing we can all help ensure there is enough water to for everyone as we go through the summer."

Contingency plan to protect homeless

Dublin City Council has put contingency plans in place to protect the homeless from extreme temperatures in the coming days.

A council spokesperson said: Dublin City Council, as the lead statutory authority in the Dublin Region, is co-ordinating the response to ensure homeless persons at risk are sheltered for the duration of any extreme weather event.

In response to the hot weather warning expected over the coming days, arrangements are in place with service providers to ensure that temporary shelter will continue to be available to all who wish to access it.

The DRHE-funded Dublin Street Outreach Service and Housing First Intake Team (provided by Dublin Simon & Peter McVerry Trust) will be engaging with those at risk of rough sleeping in order to provide shelter for anyone who needs it. The outreach teams will ensure the distribution of water and sunscreen, the provision of shelter as required, and the encouragement of people to be sun aware.

They will also use social media to ask the public to report people sleeping rough during the hot weather.

The council encouraged anyone requiring emergency accommodation to contact their local authority or the freephone number for its homeless services 1800 707 707.

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Public urged to conserve water amid 'exceptionally warm weather' - Irish Examiner