Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response and for saying he will look into the issue of the tanker. It is a small thing but it would make quite a bit of difference for the people in Barndarrig. I am also pleased to see it looks as though it could be just a matter of weeks before the notice can be lifted. That is a positive statement.

A continuous biochemistry monitor was to be put on the system. Does the Minister of State know when that will happen, or is that equipment part of what is going on at present?

The issue of communication is a simple one but it is important to the people of Barndarrig. Irish Water has notified local media about matters and puts information up on its website but in a small rural community like Barndarrig putting information in the local shop is also a good way to reach people. We are only talking about 213 houses so it might be possible for Irish Water to write directly to those residents if there is significant news. That would be appreciated.

The other issue I wish to raise is that while Irish Water has put in place drinking water supply plans, Barndarrig has not been prioritised. Due to the vulnerability of this system, I ask that Irish Water reprioritise it and ensure that a plan is put in place for Barndarrig because there have been many periods of vulnerability and water supply issues in the area. From a more long-term perspective, we need to look at why there are such high levels of nitrite in that water supply, and see where it is coming from and what remediation measures can be put in place to ensure this does not occur again in the future. We need to make that community's water supply more robust and sustainable.

See this speech in context