Washing services on low-footfall Dublin city streets halted temporarily

Dublin City Council will only regularly wash high footfall streets like O'Connell and Grafton Street

News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 14:39, 17 Jul 2026 Updated 16:04, 17 Jul 2026 View Image A worker cleans the road outside The Temple Bar pub (Image: PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)

Dublin City Council has put in place temporary measures for consvering water.

A temporary change to street washing services which use up to 50% less water are in place for the next six weeks. With a hosepipe ban in place around parts of Ireland, DCC are responding to an Uisce Eireann conversation order due to the ongoing extreme heat.

Lord Mayor Daryl Barron said: “Uisce Eireann has introduced this water restriction for a good reason and it is important that we all play our part in helping to conserve water whatever way we can.

“Everyone is expected to do their bit and the City Council is no different. Clearly this will have an effect on some operational areas but water is a vital resource and has to be protected during this ongoing spell of warm weather .”

Under this revised strategy, Dublin City Council will introduce low-pressure street cleaning using up to 50% less water, in cleaning core high footfall areas of the city. This includes areas such as O'Connell Street, Henry Street, North Earl Street, Capel Street, Grafton Street, College Green, Parliament Street and Drury Street.

DCC will be prioritising public health and safety and will continue to respond to: Locations presenting public health concerns, heavily soiled pavements and problem sites requiring intervention, and racist and politically motivated graffiti.

Routine washing in other areas will be suspended during this restrictive period. Rather than being washed regularly, a reactive system will be in place in areas with lower footfall around the city.

Executive Manager for Environment, Climate & Urban Resilience Derek Kelly said they “appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as we adapt our operations to protect this vital resource during challenging conditions”. “ Dublin City Council is committed to balancing responsible water conservation with essential street cleaning services, ensuring our community spaces remain hygienic and welcoming,” he said.

“Our commitment is to use water wisely while continuing our services to safeguard public health. We will continue to observe and iterate our approach as required, operating with reactive washing where required.”

Following the lifting of water restrictions, Dublin City Council will prioritise a comprehensive programme of street washing to restore the cleanliness of all roads and public spaces within the restriction zones. DCC states they remain committed to “maintaining the high standards of public hygiene and environmental quality while ensuring the ongoing efficient use of water services”.

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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