WATER SUPPLY RESTRICTIONS are likely to continue into the New Year as county council crews continue to repair damage to pipes and water mains.

Water reservoirs suffered huge losses over the Christmas period when pipes burst due to freezing conditions or sudden excess water in the ensuing thaw.

Dublin City Council said its crews are working around the clock to locate and repair leaks, but appeals to the public to continue to conserve water. The Restaurants Association of Ireland says that the loss of water on New Year’s Eve would be a disaster for businesses intending to trade that night, the Irish Times reports. 

Hotels, pubs and restaurants could be without water if extended night restrictions continue throughout this week. DCC said on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland today that they had not intended to turn water off on New Year’s Eve, but can no longer promise that as the situation is under review.

Any keyholders who have not checked their properties for a number of days are asked to check that the pipes in those premises have not burst or are leaking.

Scotland has offered to supply bottled water to Northern Ireland because of the severe shortage of water there. The Irish Examiner reports that the North’s water shortage is on the cusp of becoming a health emergency as some people have been without fresh running water for eight days.

Further information from local authorities on water restrictions can be found at the following links: Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Meath County Council,Westmeath County Council, Galway County Council, Sligo County Council, Clare County Council, Cork County Council, Cork City Council, Kerry County Council, North Tipperary County Council,South Tipperary County Council, Limerick County Council, Kilkenny County Council, Waterford County Council.