Snow latest: 30,000 homes without water amid warning to households

Counties across Ireland are facing water and power outages as snow and icy conditions hit the country amid orange and yellow weather warnings.

Water outages have so far been reported in counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Wexford and Carlow as Uisce Eireann provide regular updates on their social media platform X, Facebook and on their website.

People are urged by Irish Water to protect their water pipes as temperatures drop below freezing points causing pipes to burst or prevent water flow.

Uisce Eireann spokesperson, Margaret Attridge, has said, "with temperatures dipping below freezing point it is very important to continue the regular maintenance of your property, protect outside taps and check empty premises."

Ms Margaret also advises people to conserve their water supply and "don't run taps continually as this is not an effective way of preventing frozen pipes and can cause other problems such as frozen drains."

"Being mindful of water use at home, on farms and in businesses can make a huge difference," Ms Margaret added

#IWCork: Repairs to a burst water main may cause supply disruptions from Derryconnell, Schull to Baltimore and surrounds until 5pm today. See https://t.co/dMP9hVKwGj for more.

— Uisce Éireann Care (@IWCare) January 5, 2025

A tip from Irish Water to help prevent frozen pipes is as follows:

"Consider setting the heating to come on periodically at a lower temperature to allow warm air to circulate and prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather."

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Check if your water is back by "turning on the cold kitchen tap. If water is running, your water has been restored from the mains. If there is no flow, please turn off the kitchen tap and check again at regular intervals," Uisce Eireann said.

The Uisce Eireann support team is available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278.