Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister's response does not give us any new information. What happened during the water crisis in the summer was that some temporary innovative solutions were found. For example, Ashbourne was linked to the Dublin supply at Coolquay. As for Ratoath, where the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, lives, I propose a link to Dunshaughlin. That should be included in the Government's capital plan. It can be done at a low cost. With regard to Duleek, Bellewstown, Balrath, Kentstown and Donore, where there is currently a severe shortage and where the supply is not part of the greater Dublin supply but seems to be listed as such, solutions were found by filling reservoirs during the summer. Mains pipes were filled from the outside. That needs to happen also because some people are suffering disproportionately, depending on where they live.

We need to get a grip on this issue. Irish Water has communicated well but needs to do better. People need to know exactly where they stand. Some of the measures that were put in place last summer could be replicated now, particularly in east and south Meath to resolve the problems. I was talking to my colleagues Councillors Damien O'Reilly and Nick Killian today about this issue. They are in full agreement with me on this.

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