AS the rains poured down last Thursday – two days before the start of our drier spell of weather – Uisce Éireann had issued notice of water restrictions on Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands.

Since Monday last, residents and businesses on Inis Oírr have faced into nightly water cuts from 11pm to 7am, in order to try and ensure a continuous daily supply.

However, according to West Galway Fianna Fáil TD and former minister, Éamon Ó Cuív, the time has now come for ‘heads to be knocked together’ to put in place a permanent solution for the islands.

“We’re after enduring one of our wettest winter and spring periods and already there are water restrictions in place on Inis Oírr after just a couple of fine days.

“This is an intolerable situation for people living and working on the island, as well as visitors, and I want the relevant Government departments and Uisce Éireann to come together to put in place a long-term solution.

“What I am proposing is a permanent pipe link between the mainland and the islands, which as well as water, would also provide a fibre optic and electricity back-up supply. This is the only realistic long-term solution,” Deputy Ó Cuív told the Connacht Tribune.

Last Thursday, Uisce Éireann confirmed the start of water restrictions on Inis Oírr from Monday, May 6, and also appealed to customers ‘to do everything they could’ to conserve water.

Caption: Inis Oirr.

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