It was early July when Ireland entered a state of absolute drought, which is defined as 15 or more consecutive days with less that 0.2mm of rain. A scarcity of water lead to a hosepipe ban being initiated over the whole country.
Droughts have been scarce over the last forty years or so, compared to meteorological data stretching back over two centuries.
Is it climate change or is it normal, that’s the big question. To be sure, this year has already seen some wild extremes of weather, at both ends of the spectrum, and we’re only half way through the year so far.
Project Ireland 2040 sets a vision for Ireland as a climate resilient island - huge capital investment in upgrading water infrastructure is certainly needed. Mushroom farming is of course very reliant on water, so let’s hope that the arid conditions abate sooner rather than later.
