Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Doyle for raising this important matter in the House. However, the Department has no responsibility for, or role in, the management, maintenance or operation of water infrastructure. This is a matter for Uisce Éireann, the water services authority, which is responsible under statute for the operation, maintenance and management of water infrastructure.

Local authorities, in this case Wicklow County Council, continue to provide water services on behalf of Irish Water through service level agreements that have been put in place. The Vartry water supply is a critical element of the greater Dublin area water supply system and is the sole supply to north-east Wicklow, including Bray, Greystones, Delgany and Kilmacanogue. In recent years, the plant has been badly hampered in late spring and early summer by heavy algal growth which clogs the sand filters, reducing output severely.

From inquiries made to Uisce Éireann, I understand that water production at the Vartry water treatment works at Roundwood has reduced significantly due to the seasonal impact of algae in the source water. The algae occur naturally in clean, fresh water and do not pose a health risk, although it does slow the treatment process. In addition, local supply issues, which were unrelated to this reduction in production, impacted on customer supply.

Irish Water has also confirmed today that supply to Enniskerry is now back to normal. However, in Greystones, there has been a continued loss of some local service. The cause of this loss is being investigated and Wicklow County Council, on behalf of Uisce Éireann, is working to ensure that all customers have a supply of water from the public mains for a period within the 24-hour day. Continued water conservation measures over the weekend were necessary to replenish the water level.

Wicklow County Council is reviewing whether it will be necessary to continue with restrictions for the coming days to ensure the reservoir levels are recovered. Properties at a very high elevation have been suffering a loss of water during the day time, but should receive water at pressures sufficient to fill storage tanks during night time. The council is continuing to investigate improvements and is organising an alternative water supply via water tankers. Uisce Éireann has confirmed that water to the two main centres of population are close to normal and will further improve during this week. Customer information has been posted on the Wicklow County Council and Uisce Éireann websites and customers have been offered a range of communication channels for more information, including phone, post, web and twitter. The Irish Water customer contact centre receives regular updates on the situation so customers receive current information. This service provides details of the locations at which water is being provided from tankers.

Irish Water recognises that the whole Vartry system is in need of major upgrading and has commenced a study to determine the scope, cost, timeframe and planning for the works required. Uisce Éireann is looking at options for interim plans of a temporary nature which might be put in place in the short term.

Since 1 January, Irish Water has had responsibility for the delivery of water services capital infrastructure and is preparing a capital investment fund for the period 2014 to 2016. The additional funding of €200 million approved by the Cabinet this morning for the period 2015 to 2016 will assist in enabling Irish Water to accelerate additional capital projects. While I understand the distress being expressed by consumers at the lack of a continuous supply of water in their areas, Uisce Éireann and the local authorities are doing everything possible to alleviate the problems and restore an adequate and safe supply at the earliest possible opportunity.

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