Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have a few local issues. While this issue is local to me, it is probably a broad issue for many of the members here, namely, the change in the criteria for taking in charge group water schemes. l will speak specifically about the Forgney group water scheme in Longford. When it began with the first expression of interest, it had 14 households. That has now grown to 17 but they were advised in March this year by the environmental section of Longford County Council that Uisce Éireann has changed its criteria and they now need a minimum of 25 households to proceed with the application. Any of these group water schemes is an obvious and apparent threat to water quality in Ireland. The water quality in all these houses is very poor. When you take on board the grant and local contribution for each of those 17 households, the cost of taking this in charge was €100,000. Given the value in terms of water quality and environmental protection, it seems like a no-brainer to me. Mr. Gleeson should come back to me on that.

Another issue I want to raise is the upgrade of Ballymahon sewage treatment plant. We had been anticipating that that was going to go to planning in early 2024. I met officials of Uisce Éireann and a number of local councillors in September 2023 and we were advised of that at that point. As for the Edgeworthstown sewage treatment plant upgrade, I acknowledge that Mr. Gleeson is looking at that and appreciate there are challenges there, in that there is no apparent water source close by. Nonetheless, I would appreciate an update on that.

Finally, on the replacement of the line from Toome Cross to Carrigboy, on the outskirts of Ballymahon, my understanding is that a contractor had been appointed and works were due to commence earlier this year. As of the weekend, when I passed by, I did not see any diggers or any holes in the road. As it is safe to assume that it has not started, can Mr. Gleeson give me an update on that and perhaps identify the issue that has prevented the work starting? There have been a large number of breaks in the line. Local councillor Pat O'Toole told me there were 17 breaks last year and thus far this year, there have been eight breaks. Obviously, as that line services Centre Parcs, which is one of Ireland's largest tourism attractions, it is critical that we get that line installed as quickly as possible.