Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach. He is correct that this issue affects my constituency and my home as well as the Taoiseach's home and those of many others. People need reassurances on two levels. It is not good enough to say, "This boil water notice will be lifted some time but we cannot specify when". I agree that there must be an interaction with Irish Water and some clearer information delivered.

A bigger assurance than that is required. We need to know whether the latest incident is the same as, or related to, the incident last March. I have the EPA's audit report from that time, the Ceann Comhairle will be pleased to hear. Last March, there was a pump failure which resulted in a temporary loss of the cryptosporidium barrier at the plant. I want to know whether that is what happened this time. I also want the Taoiseach to investigate and satisfy himself that the plant at Leixlip and the contract, which is a private contract, is reliable and fit for purpose to protect the water supply to these 600,000 homes and many more.

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