Satellite images reveal change in Irish landscape due to dry conditions
Tomas Doherty
A series of new satellite images reveal the change in the Irish landscape during the recent dry spell.
Images taken on May 19th and May 21st from the European Union's Copernicus satellite show a difference in vegetation near the town of Nenagh in Co Tipperary.
It is clear that some areas in the more recent image appear less vegetated as a result of the drier conditions.
Although rain has returned to Ireland in recent days, the European Drought Observatory still classifies large areas of the country as being under drought warning conditions before summer even begins.
It comes after Met Éireann confirmed that March was among the driest months ever recorded at several stations nationwide, while April was the third warmest on record since 1900.
The European Drought Observatory's forecast up until June predicted "unusually dry" conditions over Ireland and much of northern Europe.
Water conservation orders, commonly known as hosepipe bans, remain in place for Mullingar in Co Westmeath, Milford in Co Donegal and Kells-Oldcastle, Co Meath.
Uisce Éireann issued the bans at the beginning of this month after dry conditions led to a “sharp drop” in supply levels. The utility also noted that Lough Owel, which supplies the Mullingar Public Water Supply, was at its lowest point in 50 years.
It was the earliest time of the year a water conservation order had been issued, with previous bans coming into effect in June 2020, July 2018 and September 2022.
