'Urgent' appeal to West Cork residents to conserve water as situation reaches 'critical level'

They have stated that drought conditions are causing a "severe depletion of water supplies".

Night-time restrictions are already in place in areas across the region along with tankering to top up some water supplies that are dangerously low.

The people of West Cork are being urged to conserve water as drought levels reach "severe" levels following a lengthy period of dry, hot weather.

In an appeal launched on Friday, Irish Water stated that "demand has surged in this scenic area due to seasonal tourism combined with the ongoing dry weather".