Businesses and landowners across County Clare have been reminded that new regulations providing for the conservation of water are now in effect.

Section 56 of the Water Services Act 2007 applies in situations where leakage occurs due to unrepaired pipes or equipment or where poor management results in wastage or excessive consumption of water.

The new regulations also apply where shortages of water - for example due to drought conditions - necessitate actions to conserve water supplies.

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Local TD Tony Killeen said: "Authorised persons, on behalf of Clare Local Authorities, may issue notices, which may be appealed, and emergency notices, which may not be appealed, specifying that corrective action be taken to prevent wastage or excessive consumption of water."

Mr Killeen noted that provision is also included for the community-wide application of water restrictions in times of water shortages.

Under Section 56, it will be an offence to contravene an order prohibiting or restricting water use and provision is made for penalties, including on-the-spot fines, for non-compliance with any order in force.

(PR/JM)