Uisce Éireann has announced an extension of the water conservation order, known as a hosepipe ban, for the three previously affected supplies in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Milford, Co. Donegal, and Kells-Oldcastle, Co. Meath.

The hosepipe ban will now remain in effect for an additional seven weeks, until Monday, August 4, 2025.

Although there has been cooler and wetter weather in recent weeks, Uisce Éireann claims that water supplies in several parts of the country remain under significant pressure.

According to Uisce Éireann, there are 21 supplies nationally still under "drought status" that it will continue to monitor and manage these areas closely.

Uisce Éireann also said that it would take several weeks of sustained rainfall to allow affected water sources to recover to normal levels.

A return to warmer, drier weather next week (June 2025), could further increase demand and place additional strain on already stressed supplies.

The head of water operations with Uisce Éireann, Margaret Attridge said: "Although we’ve seen some welcome rainfall, the long-term effects of a dry autumn, winter and spring are still being felt.

"Some water sources have not recovered to sustainable levels, and so extending the water conservation order is necessary to protect these vulnerable supplies.

“Nationally there are 21 locations across the country which remain in drought status across counties Westmeath, Donegal, Meath, Cork, Clare, Galway, Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Offaly and Laois," Attridge added.

Attridge believes that "every drop counts" as Ireland moves into a warmer drier period, and has reminded the public to continue to conserve water.

The water conservation order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users and commercial premises for non-commercial activities.

Uisce Éireann has said that this measure is essential to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services.