The entire country is under a hosepipe ban from Friday until the end of August. Uisce Éireann is extending a Water Conservation Order nationwide to help protect public water supplies for homes, businesses and essential services, following weeks of high temperatures and low rainfall.
The ban prohibits activities including watering gardens with a hose and washing private cars. Leitrim Councillor Paddy O'Rourke has been reacting to the announcement:
Cllr O'Rourke says the measures will also affect farmers: