A HOSEPIPE BAN in parts of Donegal, Meath and Westmeath that has been in place since May has been extended until mid-October.

On 6 May, Uisce Éireann confirmed a hosepipe ban for a six-week period for supplies in Milford, Co Donegal, Kells-Oldcastle in Co Meath and Mullingar in Westmeath.

However, has been extended several times since and the latest extension will see the hosepipe ban remain in place until 13 October.

Lough Colmcille in Co Donegal pictured earlier this year - Uisce Éireann said it is at a 'historically low level'. Uisce Éireann Uisce Éireann

Meanwhile, a hosepipe ban that came into place across counties Cork (not including Cork City), Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford will come to an end as planned on 16 September, having been in place since the end of July.

Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann, admitted this morning that “it is hard to believe we are extending the hosepipe ban in these three areas”.

She told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that the lakes that feed these schemes are “groundwater-fed lakes” and as a result it “can take weeks or months” before a recovery occurs.

“They do take weeks to recover, and we’re really feeling the effects of the lack of rainfall over last winter, and then the really warm summer,” said Attridge.

“The temperatures this summer meant that any rain that fell evaporated and didn’t get down to feed these lakes.”

Meanwhile, Attridge said she is hopeful that the hosepipe ban in Milford, Kells-Oldcastle and Mullingar won’t be extended beyond 13 October.

She also reminded people to “right around the country to continue to work with us on conserving water”.

“We still have places where we’re tankering water to sell reservoirs and small local areas on night time restrictions,” said Attridge.

“Simple changes can make a big difference; if you don’t leave the water running when you’re brushing your teeth, you can save five litres of water.”