Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to raise this matter. This issue concerns a problem that has occurred seasonally over the past couple of years, in particular because demand has increased capacity and the system is reaching its limit. The algae involved occurs naturally in clean, fresh water and does not pose a health risk, but it seriously affects and slows down the treatment process at the production plants. As a result, over the past ten days, we have seen a significant reduction and limiting of water supplies to north-east Wicklow in particular. People in the area become annoyed when they see restrictions on water which originates in and is treated in Wicklow, albeit under Dublin City Council up to now, but from now on the responsibility of Irish Water.

The water seems to be flowing unimpeded to Dublin city. I do not begrudge Dublin getting water, but many areas of north Wicklow which are much closer to the supply source are being cut off, in particular areas such as Kilpedder, Enniskerry, Kilmacanogue and higher areas where pressure has become a problem. A statement this afternoon from the head of communications at Irish Water states that it is not planned to interrupt supply tonight, 6 May, but a further assessment of shut-offs will be made tomorrow, Wednesday, 7 May. Nonetheless, properties at high elevations will suffer loss of water during daytime, but should receive enough water. I acknowledge this is an improvement on the situation.

I flagged this issue at a briefing we received from official from Irish Water some time ago and pointed out the algae problem was a problem that was likely to occur. While, there are long-term proposals to upgrade the plant to deal with the issue, we need an interim solution. This is a predictable phenomenon. We need a rapid response plan in place. We can predict weather. Therefore, we could determine and predict this problem. We know roughly when the algae bloom is about to occur and are aware of its impact. Until we have a new plant, we know what interim, remedial work is required. Unfortunately, this involves painstakingly and laboriously scraping the algae off the filter beds to keep them in production. This may be a simple manpower issue, but it is resolvable. This interim measure should be taken until such time as the significant work to upgrade the plant is completed.

I call for the Minister, in conjunction with management and officials at Irish Water and local management, to address this issue so that we do not suffer this unnecessary and avoidable problem. As I said, the algae does not cause health problems, but indirectly, the lack of water or limited water can have a health impact on families, older people and people with special needs. Last weekend, Fáilte Ireland was part sponsor of a very successful gourmet Greystones weekend. While the gourmet weekend may not have been the reason for it, the water was turned on in Greystones for the weekend. While there was a limited supply, at least it was turned on and without it, the festival would have had to be cancelled. I call on the Minister of State to take on board the concerns I have expressed here on behalf of the citizens of north Wicklow.

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