From:Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group met again today to review the continuing impacts of the prolonged dry weather, with a particular focus on wildfire activity, drought conditions and water supplies.

The Group has met on a number of occasions during this event bringing together local authorities, government departments, emergency services, state agencies and utility providers to share operational updates, identify emerging risks and coordinate the national response.

A National Wildfire Subgroup, involving the relevant departments, local authorities, fire services and operational agencies, has met daily since Monday to maintain situational awareness, assess operational requirements and coordinate available resources. Continued liaison is also taking place with the European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre.

“Today’s meeting demonstrated the extensive coordination taking place across government, local authorities and the emergency services in response to the continuing drought and wildfire conditions.”

“I want to acknowledge the exceptional work of the crews operating on the ground and in the air, particularly those responding to the major fire at Slievenamon. Firefighters, Civil Defence, Coillte and NPWS staff, the Air Corps, private helicopter crews and the many others supporting the operation have worked tirelessly in extremely difficult circumstances.”

“The expected change in the weather is welcome, but it will not bring an immediate end to the pressures we are experiencing. Water sources will take time to recover, and the countryside remains extremely dry. We therefore need the public to continue conserving water and to remain vigilant regarding the risk of wildfire.”

Wildfire activity continues across the country, including the ongoing multi-agency operation at Slievenamon in County Tipperary.

Firefighting and containment operations are continuing, with changing wind conditions and the movement of the fire into areas of forestry requiring ongoing monitoring and sustained operations.

The response involves close cooperation between Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service, Tipperary County Council, Civil Defence, Coillte, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Defence Forces Air Corps and private helicopter operators, together with other agencies, farmers, contractors, landowners and personnel supporting the operation. Many of those involved have been working in difficult terrain and demanding conditions over a prolonged period.

Local authorities and fire services remain alert to further wildfire and gorse-fire activity in other parts of the country. Although temperatures have reduced and some rainfall is forecast, vegetation and forest fuels remain exceptionally dry. Light or intermittent rainfall will not remove the wildfire risk immediately.

A further orange Fire Danger Notice has been issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is currently in place until midday on Wednesday 29 July.

The public is reminded that everybody has a part to play in protecting our unique rural landscapes, communities, habitats and forest resources from the threats posed by wildfire. If you are out and about enjoying our countryside and forests this summer, please help to reduce the risks of fire by keeping the following in mind:

Further advice is available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marinehere.

There remains continuing pressure on water sources and public water supplies following the prolonged period of low rainfall and exceptionally high demand.

A nationwide Water Conservation Order came into effect today, Friday 24 July, and is currently due to remain in place until Wednesday 26 August. The Order may be lifted earlier or extended depending on rainfall, water-source levels and the availability of treated water for distribution.

While public conservation efforts are having a positive effect, it will take a sustained period of rainfall for reservoirs, rivers, groundwater sources and other supplies to recover.

The public is asked to use water only when necessary and to avoid non-essential activities such as using hoses to water gardens, wash cars or clean external surfaces. Every reduction in demand will help to protect supplies for households, healthcare facilities, businesses and other essential services.

Further information on the Water Conservation Order and practical water-saving measures is available from Uisce Éireann. (Uisce Éireann)

Customers can contact Uisce Éireann’s 24/7 helpdesk at 1800 278 278.

Temperatures will be lower than those experienced during the recent hot spell, but the weather will remain relatively warm.

Rain and drizzle will move southeastwards on Saturday, becoming lighter and more intermittent as it does so. Rainfall amounts in the south and southeast are expected to be very limited. Sunday will remain mostly cloudy, with patchy rain or drizzle mainly affecting western and northern areas.

Conditions are expected to remain mixed into next week, with some rain and drizzle at times, particularly in the west and north. However, rainfall totals are forecast to remain low across much of the country, especially in southern and eastern areas, and there remains uncertainty regarding the distribution and amount of rainfall.

Please check met.ie website and app for updates to forecasts as well aswww.watersafety.ie.