August 10: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds

15 areas hit by water shortages
15 areas in a number of different counties are currently impacted by water shortages amid requests from Irish Water to conserve supplies in the coming weeks. 60 additional supplies around the country are being closely monitored to ensure normal supply continues in the coming months. A statement from Irish Water said the vast majority of the company’s 750 water treatment plants are meeting supply demands. There was a “significant increase” in demand during the hot weather in mid-July but recent rainfall has reduced the number of schemes at risk of drought, according to Irish Water.
The Journal

Rents soar by highest rate on record
Rents soared by the fastest rate on record in the second quarter of this year as the availability of rental homes reached an all-time low, according to a new report by property group Daft.ie.
The Irish Times

Covid-19 booster appointments open for people aged over 60
People aged 60 and over are being invited to come forward for their next Covid-19 booster vaccine. From today, those in that age group and pregnant women can make an appointment for a booster dose through the Health Service Executive. Those appointments will begin next Monday, 15 August.
RTÉ

Stranded beluga whale removed from Seine river 
The beluga whale stranded in the River Seine in northern France has reportedly been removed from the water early on Wednesday in the first stage of an ambitious rescue operation. After nearly six hours of work, the 800-kilogram (1,800-pound) cetacean was lifted from the river by a net and crane at around 4am (0200 GMT) and placed on a barge under the immediate care of a dozen veterinarians. The beluga, a protected species usually found in cold Arctic waters, will next be placed in a refrigerated truck and transported to the coast, Isabelle Dorliat-Pouzet, secretary general of the Eure prefecture, said ahead of the rescue operation.
The Guardian

National forecast
Dry, warm and sunny today. Highest temperatures of 23°C to 26°C, higher in some spots of Munster and Leinster. Winds will generally be light variable or calm with a sea breeze developing in the afternoon. A moderate southwest wind will keep it cooler on the coast of Connacht and the west coast of Ulster. Tonight will be dry and clear with mist and fog developing in places. Lowest temperatures 8°C to 13°C in light winds or calm conditions.
Met Éireann