Ireland Night-Time Water Restrictions
Published:
Alongside the hosepipe ban, Uisce Éireann is running a second, quieter measure: overnight restrictions on 39 water supplies around the country. This is not a Water Conservation Order and carries no fine. It is a way of protecting supply, not of policing garden watering.
What overnight pressure reduction means
On an affected supply, Uisce Éireann reduces water pressure or interrupts supply overnight, typically around 10pm to 7am, so that reservoirs can refill during the hours of lowest demand. In practice you may notice lower pressure or no supply late at night, returning by morning. Storing a little drinking water before bed is sensible on an affected supply.
Where it applies
Overnight restrictions currently affect parts of Donegal, Cavan, Longford, Meath, Galway, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford. They apply supply by supply, not county-wide, so a town can be affected while a neighbouring one is not. The definitive source for your address is Uisce Éireann's own supply and service updates.
How it differs from the hosepipe ban
The hosepipe ban is a legal Order restricting how you use water, with a fixed window and a fine structure. The night-time restrictions change when water is available, carry no penalty, and can start or stop at short notice as local conditions change. Some counties, such as Meath and Wexford, appear under both measures, which is why it is worth checking exactly which applies to you. For the hosepipe ban itself, see the Ireland hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are night-time water restrictions the same as the hosepipe ban?
No. They are a separate instrument. The Water Conservation Order is a hosepipe ban covering Dublin and parts of five counties. Night-time restrictions reduce or cut supply overnight on 39 supplies to let reservoirs recover, and they carry no fine.
What time are the overnight restrictions?
They run typically around 10pm to 7am, though the exact hours vary by supply. Uisce Éireann publishes the times for each affected supply on its supply and service updates page.
Which counties have night-time restrictions?
Parts of Donegal, Cavan, Longford, Meath, Galway, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford have supplies under overnight restrictions. Because they apply supply by supply rather than county-wide, check Uisce Éireann's supply map for your address.