Ireland's housing minister has asked Uisce Éireann to delay elective water works during a nationwide heat warning, warning that outages could pose risks for vulnerable people.

Housing Minister James Browne has asked Uisce Éireann to postpone non-essential water works while Met Éireann keeps a Status Yellow High Temperature warning in force for all counties.

The request comes as Ireland faces an unusual spell of early-summer heat, with forecasters warning of temperatures above 27C in many areas, warm nights and a heightened risk of water-safety issues and heat stress.

Browne said he was seriously concerned about the effect any outage could have during the warning period, particularly for older people, people with chronic illnesses and young children. He also asked the utility to give maximum notice where work cannot be delayed and to provide alternative water supplies when necessary.

Heat warning in force

Met Éireann said its high-temperature warning, updated on Thursday morning, applied to all counties from Tuesday June 23 until Saturday June 27. The service said the warning could bring uncomfortable sleeping conditions, water-safety issues and an increased risk of forest fires.

The forecaster also issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for Donegal and Connacht, adding to the operational pressure on utilities and local services.

Utility pressure

The minister wrote to Uisce Éireann chief executive Niall Gleeson asking the company to review scheduled works and postpone elective jobs until the extreme heat had passed.

The intervention puts water continuity at the centre of the heat response. Ireland rarely sees temperatures above 30C, and the forecast for Thursday pointed to 30C or 31C in parts of the Midlands and Connacht, with some areas expected to reach 34C.

What happens next

The immediate question is whether Uisce Éireann agrees to reschedule planned work and whether it issues outage notices or alternative supply plans for affected areas.

The heat event is part of a broader early-summer European heatwave, but in Ireland the practical concern is straightforward: keeping water available while temperatures remain elevated.

Revision note

Initial automated publication.