Irish Daily Mail

A Presidenti­al pardon for Áras? No way, hose-ay!

- By Lisa O’Donnell, Senan Molony and Alison O’Reilly

MICHAEL D Higgins is leading the way on water conservati­on.

As the hosepipe ban officially kicked in yesterday in the greater Dublin area, the lawns of Áras an Uachtaráin were being left as parched as the surroundin­g Phoenix Park.

‘Yes, of course we are,’ was the answer at the Áras and the Houses of the Oireachtas to whether the strictures are being observed.

A spokesman said the President has instructed Áras staff to conserve water ‘in every way possible’. His spokesman said: ‘The President is acutely aware of the importance of maintainin­g high-quality supply of adequate levels of drinking water, and the challenges associated with the current situation of prolonged dry weather and increased demand.’

Leinster Lawn, behind Leinster House, is also being left unwatered, with its fountain left to trickle dry. At Government Buildings the fountain in the middle of the quadrangle has also been streamless.

Businesses that have a garden, such as pubs, hotels and restaurant­s are expected to comply with the hose ban but Irish Water confirmed some exemptions – with pitches, car washes and garden centres escaping the clampdown.

Irish Water warned yesterday that it is likely that conservati­on measures will remain in place ‘for weeks if not months’ – as concern remains for the nation’s long-term water supply and the impact the current drought will have on supplies in late summer and autumn. Yesterday the utility warned it may have to extend the hose ban in greater Dublin past the expected date of July 31, and that it may have to be rolled out in other areas.

However, the ban has not stopped shoppers from clearing the shelves in Woodie’s over the weekend and buying paddling pools and hoses.

One of the store’s team leaders, Marie Corrigan, said yesterday: ‘The hoses are still flying off the shelves... Some people are still doing it and ignoring it.’

 ??  ?? Parched lawn: An Áras garden party in recent days
Parched lawn: An Áras garden party in recent days

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