Hosepipe ban 'increasingly likely'; temps to hit 27C today

Sixteen of the Irish Water's drinking water schemes are in drought and 38 are at risk of going into drought because of the warm weather.

A ban on hosepipe water use is looking increasingly likely, with dry weather forecast at least until the weekend.

Irish Water said it was "increasingly likely" a hosepipe ban would be required across the country, as demand for water surged by 20% and the drought worsened.

Sixteen of the utility's drinking water schemes are in drought and 38 are at risk of going into drought because of the warm weather.