Huge operation to deliver water to Aran Islands

A massive logistical operation was under way off the west coast yesterday to deliver water to two island communities.

Up to 240,000 litres of water are being transported daily to the Aran Islands of Inis Meáin and Inis Oirr after a drought which left water supplies there at dangerously low levels.

While many parts of the country have experienced repeated downpours and localised flooding since the start of the summer, the Aran Islands have had very little rainfall and the porous limestone terrain has meant that only small amounts of rainwater have been retained there.