Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this most important issue. The fact that Oireachtas representatives from Cavan-Monaghan and Louth are in the Chamber to speak on the matter illustrates and underlines the gravity and seriousness of the situation. The report in the Sunday Independentthat the water supply for Dundalk was being contaminated came as a shock to many people in the town and surrounding areas. A population of approximately 40,000 to 50,000 is supplied directly from this modern water supply system. I understand the Cavan Hill facility was put in place in the late 1980s and that pumping and water extraction from the River Fane occurs at Stephentown Bridge. It was an urgent and much-needed supply at the time it was built. The survey work ordained that the Lough Ross and Lough Muckno catchment would be the ideal source and that the River Fane would carry the water towards Dundalk until it was extracted from the river. The Lough Muckno and Lough Ross water source is vital to the town's current and future needs. It is not only important for the domestic supply needs of the population in the area as the prospect of industrial development in the town will be dictated and determined by the availability of a good quality constant dependable water source.

The suggestion that diesel sludge was seeping into the streams flowing into the Muckno catchment came as a bolt from the blue. The Environmental Protection Agency must descend on the area immediately. Forensic testing of water quality must be undertaken and must be continued on a regular basis to provide reassurance for the consumers. At a meeting of Louth County Council last Monday the officials provided some reassurance to members, but the reality is that these toxins are flowing into the river and there is a cumulative effect. In the longer term there will be serious implications for users and consumers.

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