Irish Water issues four-week hosepipe ban for West Cork as water levels at 'historic lows'

Using a hosepipe for one hour is the equivalent of the daily water usage of an average family and this is generally a non-essential use of water. Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire

A hosepipe ban is being put in place for much of West Cork for the next four weeks as water levels are at "historic lows".

The ban comes into effect from midnight on Monday and will be in place for 30 supplies in the county. The water conservation order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users and commercial premises for non-commercial activities.