Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. It is one I explored with officials earlier this morning as to whether we could accelerate some of the delivery of this pipeline. The Deputy and I both know the site very well. We know the type of pipe we are talking about. It is a very old asbestos concrete pipe which is particularly weak at the point of the bottom of the hill because of the severe pressure that is placed on it. Therefore, it has been prone to break, as we have seen. That repair fit has happened but, obviously, the long-term solution is to replace the whole pipeline.

Regarding the particular project that is being undertaken by the Irish Water, the pipe has been delivered and we have it for installation. A contract is in place with someone to install it. The design is done for the section that needs to be replaced. Agreement has been almost reached with every landowner. There is just one final piece to be resolved but I am assured it will be resolved very quickly. There is an application for consent that is needed in regard to some of the archaeological sites that are there. This is for the whole piece of pipe that is to be replaced. We are still on time to start that work in a matter of weeks and to have all of the pipeline replaced by the end of the year. I have asked officials if they can look at that particular section of the pipe at the bottom of the hill where the pressure is and try to expedite that piece of work. There could be another break - let us be honest about it.

See this speech in context