Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to discuss issues in my constituency of Cork North-Central, where there are significant issues with the water quality and brown drinking water in people's houses. I have received calls from people in areas such as Ballyvolane, Gurranabraher, Farranree, Sunday's Well and right across the city saying discoloured or brown water has been coming from their taps in recent months. Irish Water has admitted that this is due to adding too many chemicals to clean water by mistake. I have been communicating back and forth with Irish Water in recent months and every time I have been told that the system will be flushed. This might provide clean water for a day or two. This is not good enough, however, because the brown water returns thereafter. This water is not drinkable. Irish Water has told people to run their taps. That is not good enough. People deserve better. They deserve clean drinking water. They should not have to contact Deputies to follow up with Irish Water. They should have clean drinking water in their homes.

Irish Water confirmed that it does not let vulnerable people know when the water is brown. These are people who may have issues with their sight or intellectual disabilities. They may be vulnerable or very old. The only way they can find out if they have brown water is from Irish Water.

They are vulnerable people. There is an onus on Irish Water to make sure those people have clean drinking water and, if not, that they know about it. There are major issues with Irish Water.

I also want to recognise the huge effort made by water workers in Cork and nationally, especially in pushing for a referendum on putting water services in public ownership, which we support. These workers also want clarity on their terms and conditions of employment if they remain in local authorities or move. I have great respect for these workers, who are doing the work on the ground. Moving forward, we need the referendum to be delivered as soon as possible. There are huge concerns that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will not deliver a referendum. What is the date for the referendum?

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