Clonakilty, a town in West Cork, is once again facing water restrictions, marking the seventh time this summer. Despite experiencing record-breaking levels of rainfall, Irish Water has stated that the reservoir is unable to fully replenish overnight. As a result, the entire town will be subject to restrictions from 11 pm to 7 am. The water treatment plant in Clonakilty is currently under high demand, and coupled with the heavy rainfall, Irish Water is encountering operational challenges.
This summer has been exceptionally wet, with Cork receiving four times more rain in July 2023 than in the same month of the previous year. Additionally, the recent weeks have seen intense rainfall. Irish Water has acknowledged that the heavy rainfall and its impact on the river have presented further operational challenges at the water treatment plant. Moreover, the continued high demand for water has prevented the reservoirs from fully replenishing.
Niall O’Riordan, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Operations Lead, expressed the necessity of implementing restrictions this weekend due to the persistently high demand for water in the area. These restrictions aim to allow the reservoir levels to recover overnight and ensure a consistent supply of drinking water for customers during the day. O’Riordan urged customers in West Cork to play their part in conserving water, emphasizing the importance of ensuring an adequate water supply for everyone.
The water restrictions will affect the entire Clonakilty area, particularly the high-ground areas that are accustomed to being subjected to such measures. These areas include Youghals Cloheen, Ladys Cross, The Bypass Road, Cottage Road, Fernhill Road, The Miles, Tawnies Lower, Barrick Hill, Reenascreena, Santry North, Santry South, Inchinattin, Tullig, Carrigfadda, Glanbrack, Maulatallavally, Knocks, and Threegneeves Gortroe.
