Ireland

Staycation puts strain on Donegal water supplies

Increased visitor numbers has put pressure on water supplies in County Donegal.
Increased visitor numbers has put pressure on water supplies in County Donegal. Increased visitor numbers has put pressure on water supplies in County Donegal.

IRISH Water has been forced to issue an appeal to Donegal householders to conserve supplies because of the huge numbers of people visiting the county on staycations.

The water authority said a combination of increased visitors and the recent dry spell has placed a strain on supplies in the county.

With large numbers of Irish people cancelling foreign holiday plans this year, there has been a huge rise in visitors to Co Donegal.

Gardaí have issued warnings about parking at beaches over recent weeks as tourism outlets report significant increases in numbers on previous years.

Irish Water spokesman Kevin Love called on Donegal people to conserve supplies because of an increase in pressure on the public water network.

Mr Love said: “With the recent warm weather and an increase in visitors to Donegal, the amount of drinking water being used is greater in some areas than the volume of water which can be produced.

“We are urging all consumers in Donegal at this time to be mindful of their use. We are keeping the situation under continuous review and are working closely with Donegal county council.

"We are working hard to ensure there is water available for all customers across the county and ask everyone to take small steps to conserve water.”

Mr Love added that people should continue to follow public health Covid-19 guidelines on hand-washing.