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LAST UPDATE | 11 mins ago
IRISH AUTHORITIES HAVE issued advice to the public on staying safe and conserving water during the hot weather.
A Status Yellow high temperature warning is in place for 13 counties, and Met Éireann has warned that the heat may cause uncomfortable sleeping conditions, heat stress, forest fires and water safety issues.
Minister James Browne said the prolonged period of very warm weather will “place additional pressure on people, services and local water supplies”.
“I am asking the public to look out for those who may need assistance and use water responsibly, follow the advice of the HSE, Met Éireann and the emergency services. Small precautions taken now can significantly reduce the risks,” he said.
The State’s emergency group, the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management, has issued advice with key stakeholders ahead of the hot temperatures.
Public health has been described as a “significant consideration”, and people are beign advised to check on older relatives, neighbours, young children and anyone who may be particularly vulnerable to heat.
The public should stay in the shade, avoid going out or taking part in strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of fluids, apply sunscreen and be aware of heat stress.
The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, Waterways Ireland and the RNLI are urging the public to remember water safety is not just about swimming or water sports, adding that it is relevant to activities such as coastal walks, cycling beside canals, angling, or visiting parks and beaches with family.
They advised the public to swim at a lifeguarded waterway, swim within and stay within your depth, avoid entering the water in locks, marinas and harbours, supervise children and avoid alcohol before swimming, operating watercraft or being near water.
They also said to be aware that cold water temperatures can also cause cold water shock, increasing the risk of drowning, pay attention to all water safety signs and warnings and carry a means of calling for help.
They advised checking tides and updated weather warnings, always wear a correctly fitting serviced life jacket or buoyancy aid when boating or participating in water sports and let others know where you are going and when you expect to return.
The Road Safety Authority has advised drivers to reduce the risk from sun glare by wearing sunglasses, and be aware of the dangers of sun glare when travelling east in the mornings and west later in the day.
It also advised being people to ensure they have adequate supplies of water, ensure they have plenty of window washer fluid and windscreens are clear of grease or grime inside and out, watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists and slow down and allow extra space when passing.
It advised pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter users and motorcyclists to beware of the dangers that sun glare can cause, especially when crossing the road and at junctions and follow current health messaging around the use of sunscreen.
An orange Fire Danger Notice has been issued by the Department of Agriculture, and the public has been reminded to protect the countryside and forests from wildfire.
People are advised not to light fires in or near woodland, nor block forest entrances or roads when parking.
If you see a fire, report it immediately to the emergency services. Report any illegal and suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána and do not approach fires or attempt to extinguish fires yourself.
Uisce Éireann has “urgently” called on the public not to use the garden hose this weekend, and for as long as the hot weather continues, as drinking water usage remains “exceptionally high”.
It said a new record for daily water use has been made in the Greater Dublin Area, where 693 million litres was used in one day – 50 million litres above the year-to-date average.
The state body said the current high water usage “places significant pressure on the water network” and is driven by a combination of garden watering, power hosing and other outdoor domestic water used.
“Night-time restrictions in the Greater Dublin Area are under active consideration if water use is not reduced,” Uisce Éireann said in a statement.
“While Uisce Éireann is working to avoid restrictions where possible, this pattern of continued high use is increasing risk to supplies. Reservoir levels are dropping by up to 30 million litres on peak usage days, underlining the need for urgent conservation now by everyone.”
The Greater Dublin Area, which includes counties Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, has recorded the highest water use according to Uisce Éireann, however, it said supplies are also under pressure in parts of Wexford and South Tipperary.
Customers have been encouraged to check homes, farms and businesses for leaks, dripping taps and leaking toilets.
Earlier this week Uisce Éireann issued tips for households and businesses to save water.
It recommended taking showers rather than baths, not letting the tap run while brushing teeth, only using washing machines and dishwashers when fully loaded and considering using a cistern displacement device to reduce water use.
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