Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. I acknowledge the patience and co-operation of the residents of Barndarrig, particularly the very vulnerable people and businesses that have been affected by this notice. As already stated, my concern is that people's health is protected. I want these notices lifted without delay but only when the water is again safe to drink. Irish Water is working closely with the authorities and monitoring the situation to ensure that happens as quickly as possible. Irish Water's primary function is to provide safe, clean drinking water to customers, treat waste water and return water safely to the environment. In providing these critical services, Irish Water plays a role in enabling social and economic growth and protecting the environment as well as the health and safety of the public.

As a single national utility, Irish Water is taking a strategic and nationwide approach to asset planning, investment and meeting customer requirements. However, our entire water system will need substantial and sustained investment over a number of investment cycles to fully improve performance and resilience. Investment will also be needed to deliver new water capacity for our growing population and to deal with the increasing impacts of climate change. Prioritising the order of the work and the associated investment will require ongoing engagement between Irish Water and its regulators, the EPA and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of necessary water outcomes and to improve overall water system resilience. As Deputy Whitmore requested, I will ask Irish Water about the nitrates monitor and I will also raise the issue of communication. She made a very good suggestion about utilising the local shop, considering the number of residents impacted. We hope the issue will be resolved within a few weeks. I will also raise the matter of the water deliveries with Irish Water and will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

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