Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Fáiltím roimh an deis labhairt ar an gceist seo mar go bhfuil go leor de mhuintir na Gaillimhe céasta le cúrsaí uisce. Bhí fadhbanna leis an maingainéis ar Inis Bó Finne agus sa Spidéal le tamaillín anuas agus cé go bhfuil siad réitithe sa Spidéal bhí fadhbanna i gcomhair i bhfad.

The water issue on Inishbofin has been ongoing for a number of months. With the lack of clarity on whether the water was safe to drink, there was a boil notice which was changed to a do not consume notice. The islanders still have questions and have not received answers. While this particular issue has been ongoing for a number of months, in reality there have been problems for years. A long-term solution is needed.

Islanders have complained about issues with immersion boilers and electric showers. Water services on our offshore islands require a long-term solution and strategy. I understand that is not something that can happen overnight, but it is something we could do far better on and we need to focus on. One islander I spoke to today told me she had travelled to North Macedonia to view its water services. She heard it had not had rain since last March. It is a far less well-off country than Ireland, yet has been able to provide fresh water. It was interesting to hear that comparison.

Caithimid déileáil leis na deacrachtaí uisce atá ann ar na hoileáin amach ón gcósta. Teastaíonn straitéis fadtéarmach ina leith. Tuigim go dtógfaidh sé sin tamaillín ach caithfear déileáil leis agus caithfear breathnú air. Má bhreathnaímid ar Inis Oírr, mar shampla, samhradh i ndiaidh samhraidh bíonn an t-uisce múchta i rith na hoíche agus sin fadhb ollmhór, ach go háirithe ós rud é go bhfuil i bhfad níos mó turasóirí ann agus chuile rud. Léiríonn sin go gcaithimid déileáil leis. Ansin tá an fadhb séarachais ar Inis Mór. Feicimid go bhfuil séarachas fós ag scaoileadh amach ar Inis Mór agus tá baol mór ann ó thaobh sláinte de freisin. Caithimid breathnú ar an gcóras séarachais agus ar na fadbhanna uisce ar na hoileáin amach ón gcósta. Teastaíonn straitéis fadtéarmach dóibh sin ar fad.

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