A number of Water Conservation Orders have been lifted across Ireland in counties like Meath, Kerry, Dublin, Cork and Waterford.

Orders have also been lifted in other counties including Limerick, Tipperary, Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Westmeath and Louth.

The Irish Water Board reviewed the data today, 25 September, and decided on lifting the order following a recent increase in rainfall across the State. The data showed a reduction in demand, the availability of water resources and the prevailing weather conditions.

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The order took effect on the 01 September 2018 and was due to conclude at midnight on the 30 September 2018.

Irish Water Engineer, John Gavin, said: "The Water Conservation Orders were vital for reducing significant peaks in demand that Irish Water witnessed in early June 2018. The Orders, combined with excellent conservation efforts made by homes and businesses across the county and the significant efforts of operational teams on the ground prevented major outages to water supplies in many communities. As rainfall is returning to more average rates, our water sources which were very dry during the summer can begin to recharge more quickly. 

"While this is very welcome news, it is essential that people continue to conserve water. We are really grateful for all the efforts people made over the past few months in their homes and businesses. It was really encouraging to see. Conserving water will make our water sources more resilient and help to safeguard our water for the future."

(CM/MH)