Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important issue regarding a proper water supply for St. Brigid's girls' national school in Killester, Dublin 5. I am here tonight to support the parents, pupils and teachers on this urgent matter. The school needs support and I call on the Minister to provide the funding to St. Brigid's to deal with the water issue, the tanks issue and above all to ensure that the school has a safe and regular supply of water so that the teachers and pupils can get on with their work. The background to this issue is the recent water crisis in the Killester area. The residents in the area suffered major problems with water supply and many people had to go without water for days, which is unacceptable. The Minister needs to ensure that the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Dublin City Council get their act together and provide for a long-term solution for the water issue in the Killester area. 9 o'clock

Were it not for people like Independent Councillor Damian O'Farrell and his team who did an excellent job going around Killester with his trailer and 25-litre containers of water, many more would have suffered. The long-term water issue in Killester must be resolved as well as the school issue.

St. Brigid's girls' national school was forced to close because of lack of water. Its tanks are outdated and it urgently needs a new water system to ensure the smooth running of the school. The principal and the board of management has applied to the Department for the funding to resolve this issue. I urge the Minister to release the funding to St. Brigid's. This is an urgent appeal and now is the time to act.

This would be of major assistance to the pupils and the school. It would remove the uncertainty of not knowing whether they will have water and all the toilets, wash-hand basins and sinks would be working properly. This would have a positive impact on the school and above all, ensure the smooth running of the educational service there. I again urge the Minister to support the school with the funding. It is ready to roll at the moment. I am here tonight representing the people of Killester and hundreds of families in the area. I urge the Minister to listen to their request for funding to ensure a constant and safe water supply to St. Brigid's.

This is not a major educational issue alone, but also a major health and safety issue. Funding from the Department is the solution in helping this school. It needs proper tanks and a safe supply of water to ensure it is run on a proper professional basis. A school cannot be run without water.

Finally, I urge the Minister to act now, not to put matters on the long finger, and grant this funding to Killester girls' national school as a matter of urgency.

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