Street Cleaning and the Hosepipe Ban

There is a hosepipe ban in effect in Dublin for July and August 2026 due to climate-change driven drought. Dublin City Council, in an effort to comply with this ban, has issued the notice below relating to street cleaning activities.

As you will be aware, the current water restrictions imposed by Uisce Eireann during this ongoing period of extreme heat require Dublin City Council to reduce water usage across its operations while continuing to maintain essential public services.

We will therefore be enacting a temporary change to street washing services for a six-week period, to ensure conservation of water while maintaining public health and safety. 

Under this revised strategy, Dublin City Council will introduce low-pressure steam street cleaning using up to 50% less water, in cleaning core high footfall areas of the city.

 The Council will continue to provide a reduced street-washing service focused on key shopping streets, tourist areas and other high-footfall locations across the city. These include areas such as O'Connell Street, Henry Street, North Earl Street, Capel Street, Grafton Street, College Green, Parliament Street and Drury Street.

Routine washing programmes in other areas will be suspended during the restriction period, with services delivered on a reactive basis where required.

The Council will continue to respond to:

>Locations presenting public health concerns.

>Heavily soiled pavements and problem sites requiring intervention.

>Racist and Politically motivated graffiti as a priority.

While these measures are necessary to support water conservation efforts, the Council recognises that street cleanliness standards may be impacted in some locations. We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as we adapt our operations to protect this vital resource during challenging conditions.

A more extensive washing and cleansing programme will be undertaken when water restrictions are lifted to restore affected areas to normal standards.