Broken weather and heavy rain in the aftermath of Hurricane Erin have brought some relief to the Aran island of Inis Oírr with the lifting of night-time water restrictions.
Uisce Éireann says that essential overnight water restrictions, which were in place on the island’s public water supply, have now been lifted.
“Water restrictions were in effect on Inis Oírr nightly between 11 pm and 7 am throughout the summer months in order to conserve low water resources on the island,”it says.
As Afloat has reported, the restrictions were introduced in mid-April in order to conserve water and safeguard daytime supply.
Tony Kelly of Uisce Éireann said: “Water reserves on the island have recovered and are currently sufficient to ensure a continuous water supply going into the autumn. Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor and maintain the supply for our customers on Inis Oírr.”
“We acknowledge the inconvenience that nighttime restrictions can cause, and we would like to thank residents, businesses and visitors to the island for their conservation efforts during the period of the restrictions,” he said.
Inis Oírr residents have long been frustrated at the water authority’s failure to come up with a long-term solution to the lack of water, which has involved restrictions and the expensive strategy of shipping out water from Co. Galway.
A hydrogeological study conducted in 2015 proposed capturing excess winter rainfall to ease the summer shortages.
A plan was drawn up with engineering firm Arup to install raw storage tanks, which would then require planning permission. Large areas of the Aran islands are protected under the EU Habitats Directive.
It is understood that Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council had sought land, and tendered for up to three storage tanks.
However, islanders then heard that this plan was abandoned on cost grounds.
