Water Conservation Appeal Ahead of Fleadh in Wexford

With over 700,000 visitors expected to descend on Wexford town for the 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Uisce Éireann has issued a stark warning as the county’s water supply faces unprecedented pressure amid an extended spell drier than average weather in the southeast.

A combination of reduced rainfall over recent months and soaring temperatures has left raw water supplies in Wexford significantly below normal levels for this time of year. This drought-like situation forced authorities to impose a Water Conservation Order last week, a measure aimed at protecting dwindling water reserves as demand continues to climb.

Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager for Uisce Éireann, acknowledged the community’s efforts to date but stressed that the ongoing heatwave and the anticipated influx of visitors for the Fleadh will further strain an already fragile system. “Water is essential for daily life and public health,” Callery said. “But with temperatures remaining high and rainfall scarce, every drop saved can help maintain supplies for households, businesses, and the festival itself.”

The persistent dry spell has dramatically increased water demand as residents seek to cool homes and gardens under unrelenting sun. Combined with the surge of tourists expected to celebrate traditional Irish music and culture over the next week, the situation has reached a critical juncture.

Uisce Éireann highlighted last year’s Mayglass Water Supply Project, which added new water mains and tapped into boreholes to improve supply resilience in South Wexford. Yet despite these improvements and extensive leak repairs carried out this year—including 397 leaks fixed and the deployment of over 1,500 acoustic noise loggers—water conservation remains crucial as the region grapples with an intensifying climate challenge.

Callery urged locals and visitors alike to reduce unnecessary water use. She reminded people that running a garden hose for an hour can consume as much water as an entire household uses in a day and encouraged simple changes such as switching from baths to showers and turning off taps when not in use.

Uisce Éireann also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any leaks to help protect the county’s precious water supply. Real-time updates on supply issues are available through a free text alert service.