Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputy Michael Kitt for raising this extremely serious issue. Addressing boil water notices is a key priority for Irish Water. It has published a capital investment plan for 2014 to 2016 and this is available online on Irish Water's website. The plan includes projects which will address the needs of customers who are subject to boil water notices.

One of the primary reasons Irish Water was established was to provide for an increase in capital investment in the water infrastructure. This increased investment is needed to address the significant deficiencies in the public water infrastructure, to address legacy issues, to invest for the future and to provide for consistent customer service throughout the country. Irish Water needs to invest approximately €600 million every year.

I welcome the work that Irish Water is undertaking to address the situation regarding boil water notices, and the capital investment that is being made will deliver real benefits for the people of the areas affected. I take the point Deputy Kitt raised about the communications and I will pass that on directly to the Minister, Deputy Kelly.

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