Uisce Éireann is appealing to businesses and residents in Dunboyne and Clonee to correctly dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOGs) and any business waste in a responsible manner. Indeed it is a timely warning to all when disposing of FOGs. and the how of fatbergs can form. as can seen from the picture above.
Uisce Éireann has confirmed that pouring fats, oils or grease down the sink is causing blockages across the wastewater networks, especially in Dunboyne and Clonee, where the utility is currently undertaking surveys of the wastewater infrastructure in these towns. Speaking about the issue, Uisce Éireann’s Ger Brady said “Uisce Éireann is committed to safeguarding the local environment and returning wastewater safely to the environment. During the last few weeks however, we have started to experience a strain on the wastewater infrastructure in parts of Meath, namely Dunboyne and Clonee, due to large volumes of fats, oils and grease being disposed of incorrectly into our networks.
“We are asking everyone, businesses and residents alike in Dunboyne and Clonee, to be very conscious of the impact inappropriate disposal of fats, oils and grease can have on wastewater networks and treatment plants. We urge the public and businesses to continue to ‘Think Before You Pour’ and dispose of trade effluent and other products correctly.
“While FOGs may be in a liquid form when poured, they quickly cool and harden in pipes. Over time, these solidified fats, oils, and greases form blockages that can disrupt, business operations, home plumbing, and even the broader wastewater network. And that’s not all – FOGs combine with wipes, hair, and dental floss to create fatbergs. These blockages lead to costly repairs, local flooding, and serious environmental damage.
“Uisce Éireann is investing in wastewater infrastructure right across the country. We are building new wastewater treatment plants, upgrading old plants and laying new sewers. However, it is still really important that both businesses and the wider public don’t discharge fats, oils and grease inappropriately and are aware of the impact of what they dispose of, so the network can function efficiently and effectively and protect the environment.”
Uisce Éireann extends Water Conservation Order for Kells/Oldcastle which remains under significant pressure
Uisce Éireann has announced an extension of the Water Conservation Order (commonly referred to as a hosepipe ban) for the Kells-Oldcastle Public Water Supply in Co Meath. The Order will now remain in effect for an additional seven weeks, until Monday, August 4, 2025. While recent weeks have brought cooler and wetter weather, water supplies in several parts of the country remain under significant pressure. Twenty supplies nationally remain in drought status, and Uisce Éireann continues to monitor and manage these areas closely.
It would take several weeks of sustained rainfall to allow affected water sources to recover to normal levels. Forecasts also indicate a likely return to warmer, drier weather from next week, which could further increase demand and place additional strain on already stressed supplies.
Michael Cunniffe, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager in Meath, stated: “Although we’ve seen some welcome rainfall, the long-term effects of a dry autumn, winter, and spring are still being felt. Some water sources have not recovered to sustainable levels, and so extending the Water Conservation Order is necessary to protect these vulnerable supplies.
“Nationally there are 20 locations across the country which remain in drought status across counties Westmeath, Donegal, Meath, Cork, Clare, Galway, Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Offaly and Laois. That’s why we are reminding everyone – regardless of whether they are in an area under a formal order—to continue to conserve water. Every drop counts, especially as we move into what is expected to be a warmer, drier period.”
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. This measure is essential to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services.
Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed about their water and wastewater supplies across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us on X @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn, through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
