Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the commitment of the Minister of State and the Government to fund whatever works are required. I received much of the Minister of State's response from Irish Water yesterday. I say this to show it has not moved on further. We need to focus on short-term measures. My understanding is Irish Water is examining a reconfiguration immediately of the existing network. The booster station, which will increase capacity to 4 million l a day, could be delivered in 2019, according to Irish Water and the Minister of State but what can we do now?

This happens in certain areas throughout the country on a regular basis, but being selfish about Skerries, there is, and has been, a health issue. I have spoken to people with young children. There is a serious hygiene issue; it is not just an inconvenience. It is also an issue for the businesses in the town. Will Fingal County Council consider rate rebates for the period they have not had water? Skerries is a town with many restaurants, hairdressers and bars. They have gone to additional expense during this period. I agree with Deputy Farrell that a detailed timeline is needed. What are we doing now to make sure there is a robust supply in the interim while Irish Water delivers a solution for 2019, according to its statement? Will the Minister of State pursue this with the Minister? Along with colleagues, I will make sure this remains on the agenda in order that we know clearly what will happen next and that we can see improvements, with the water supply returning to full capacity without further delay.

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