Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I thank the Regional Group for tabling this important motion. It states that 35 towns and villages across the State continue to discharge raw sewage into nearby waters, according to a recent EPA report. That figure is far lower than I expected because many towns in my constituency of Cork South-West are suffering that sad fate. Obviously, the politicians on the ground, be they Deputies or Senators, have made a great deal of noise that something will be done, but decades later nothing has happened in some of these towns and villages.

I have serious concerns about places such as Castletownshend in west Cork. It is a beautiful place in which to live permanently or in which to holiday. There are lovely outlets and beautiful pubs. People love taking holidays there. However, its sewerage system is a disgrace and has not been upgraded. It is the same in my home town of Goleen. It is a stunning place to visit, but the raw sewage going into the sea is an outrageous situation, despite the efforts made by the community in Goleen and the community council. We spent fortunes and brought people home who had property there to try to work towards a solution.

Communities are seeking solutions. It is the same in Ballinspittle and I note that somebody is willing to work on the solution in that area. I do not know who is in charge in Irish Water as the impression I am given is that nobody is in charge. I cannot present a solution to Irish Water, despite the fact it will cost very little. Only a little co-operation is required so everybody can work together in a place like Ballinspittle, where there is a need for extra housing and a proper solution. Nothing is happening.

I am also worried about water supplies in Clonakilty, a thriving town with building ongoing. I see that if we had a very dry summer, the town could run out of water. It is scandalous that something like this could happen in one of the biggest towns in the country, leaving it on a wing and a prayer, hoping everything goes right. We must have a system that works and if communities are willing to work with Irish Water, they should be pushed up the ladder in getting water and sewerage systems in place. The motion is about raising that awareness and I appreciate this. I thank the Regional Group for allowing us the opportunity to speak to it today.

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