Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I cannot do that. I am not that familiar with what happens at present but, as I understand it, a scheme which wants to be taken in charge must approach the local authority and then all of the various cost issues are discussed. Thereafter, the scheme will either be taken in charge or it will not. In the context of health, the quality of water is the key issue. If water is polluted or if it is unsafe to drink, that is a serious matter from an environmental point of view.

I repeat that the voluntary input I have experienced from talking to people on group water schemes is extremely important. It is the only way it works, and it is the partnership that works. I am not aware of the specific schemes to which the Deputy is referring. He may want to give the Department a list of the issues but in terms of what is happening at the moment, there is no change.