Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. It is ironic that we are talking about flood relief in Arklow when there has been a dramatic shortage of water in the greater north Wicklow area – Greystones, Enniskerry and Kilmacanogue - in recent days. The area is supplied by the Vartry river, which also supplies a large part of Dublin city. Ironically, Dublin city has not suffered but Wicklow has. I ask the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, to pass on to his colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government my concerns on water shortages in north Wicklow and the ongoing problems with the reservoir, and to liaise with Irish Water to ensure the shortages are resolved.

I would have liked to hear a definitive start date. I note that the Minister for Finance is present in the Chamber. I am sure he will have no difficulty providing the funding to the Minister of State shortly as, hopefully, a going-away present, so that he can make an announcement in the coming weeks. I note the provision for the scheme in the capital profile of the Department. A feasibility study has been completed; it has gone back to the OPW and it is currently with Arklow Town Council. The Minister of State indicated in his response that he could not provide a timeframe, but could he take a stab at doing so? Could he also indicate whether the outstanding technical issues are major or minor?

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