Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I get that logic. I might not like it but I understand it. However, at the same time, as all Deputies in the constituency would attest, there is a confidence issue for the vast majority of people. Even if the water is running clear, there is still a reluctance to use it because this issue has gone on for so long. While Uisce Éireann may not be obliged to do it by the regulator, it is something that should be considered because, as I have said, a certain proportion of people have lost confidence in the quality of the water.

My last question is about the magnitude of the problem in Cork. I am a firm believer in being straight with people and telling them if there is a difficulty. At this point, it is probably very difficult for Uisce Éireann to estimate how much time it will take to remedy this issue in its entirety but are there best-case and worst-case scenarios? Is there any indication of how many kilometres of pipes will have to be replaced to give people some understanding of the magnitude of the replacement of pipes that might be required? From the interactions I have had with the witnesses, I would guess it is quite extensive. People are better off knowing the magnitude and scale of the problem and that it might take a considerable period of time rather than being left in limbo. Will the witnesses comment on how extensive and costly any replacement might be?