Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me and Deputy Tuffy to raise this matter. It is a serious issue affecting not only County Louth but other areas throughout the State. We must have an immediate response from all local authorities. All houses and estates constructed before 1970 must be investigated for lead contamination of the water supply.

In regard to County Louth, we heard today that there are problems in regard to ten locations. The truth, however, is that 25 responses, from 20 separate locations, show an excessive level of lead in the water supply. I understand the local authority has been forced by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, to examine the data from four years ago. The figures were there but no action was taken until now. The towns of Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee and the villages of Clogherhead and Omeath are among the contaminated areas.

It is an extremely serious situation, with some of the figures indicating a remarkably high level of contamination. I understand the highest level identified is 99 units, which is four times the legal limit of 25. In the case of Galway, specific instructions were given to the local authority by the EPA, with the latter insisting on legal enforcements if they were not carried out. It is disgraceful and appalling that a local authority is being forced by the EPA to do the work it should have done in any case.

The key issue now is how to resolve the problem. There are two doing ways of doing so. The best way, and the final solution, is to replace all the lead pipes. The second way, the interim solution, is to use phosphate irrigation which would coat the pipes so that lead cannot enter the water supply. Whatever is done must be done immediately. Local authorities must act and be seen to act. Louth County Council must be given all necessary moneys to fund these important actions which must be taken to protect public health. Children and the unborn babies of pregnant women are particularly susceptible to the serious effects of chronic lead poisoning over a period of time. We must act now.

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