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

Last night we got word that the water supply for Drogheda-east Meath had once again been disrupted with a significant burst main, one which had burst about a year ago. The concerns and worries that the people of the area had were communicated and Irish Water and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government were very much aware of what needed to happen. Instead of having a tale of woe here today we have had good responses from Irish Water. It had failed miserably this time last year, the first time the main burst. It took it two or three days to get into action.

Its crisis management team was mobilised immediately, the Minister's office was fully aware of all actions and when I went out this morning at 7 a.m. there were approximately ten or 15 workers on site. There were large lorries and the earth had been dug out overnight. I understand that they worked under floodlights and that workers from Meath County Council, Louth County Council and Irish Water proved that they had 100% commitment to public service. I welcome the work done.

The crisis management team has worked because there is one in place. Communications with the public and public representatives are excellent. That is a huge improvement. It is what we need and what the public is entitled to.

I thank the Minister for attending to take this matter. I appreciate he has been very concerned, both last year and this year, about the significance of the problems that could arise as a result of a burst water main such as that one that occurred previously. Lessons have been learned from last year and what new lesson must we now learn? The first is that we will have a €12 million investment in improving the water supply for the Louth-East Meath area. I welcome that new pipes have been ordered to ensure we have a completely new fresh physical supply system in place and that those pipes are currently in Dublin Port. The part that needed to be replaced was available and on-site, and is ready to go. That is hugely positive. Can the Minister give me an assurance that the position is now 100% as best it can be, that the pipe has been fixed and the supply will return to normal? I await the Minister's reply and then I will comment further.

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