Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is the first opportunity I have had to speak in this House since the weather event took place. First, I commend all those involved in the emergency services on their valiant efforts over the past week or so. I commend the members of the National Emergency Co-ordination Committee and the emergency services.

I want to say a few words on behalf of Irish Water, a statutory body which has come in for a lot of criticism in recent years. My experience, and that of people working in my office, is that it is a very efficient body which has been very responsive to requests we make on behalf of constituents. I have found it very efficient and effective in answering the concerns raised by me and, indeed, other public representatives.

The Minister will be aware that the weather has had a significant effect on the water supply in the constituency, Dublin Bay South, we both represent. I have been contacted by people from Ringsend, Irishtown, Rathgar and the inner city to complain not simply that water is being restricted at certain times but also that they do not have water at all. People are prepared to accept that after a severe weather event there will be consequences for infrastructure such as the water supply. What they find increasingly difficult to accept is inadequate communication in respect of what is happening. It is extremely important that if their water supply is going to be cut off in the next few days, people need to be told about it and given adequate notice. People can cope with these situations provided they are given sufficient notice. Unfortunately, that has not been the case in large parts of the constituency. People have not been apprised of the fact that their water will be cut off completely. I have had a number of people contact my office to discuss the difficulties they are having with the water supply in Terenure, on Temple Road and in Irishtown. It is also a matter of concern to me, as it will be for the Minister, that schools in the constituency have closed. Scoil Bhríde had to close as did St. Louis high school in Rathmines. I ask for further updated information so that people are fully aware of the consequences of this weather event.

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