Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. I am taking the question on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke. This is an issue of national and local importance. I appreciate the Deputy's concerns for communities affected by boil water notices. I can hear his frustration on behalf of his constituents.

The Deputy will appreciate that the operation of Whitegate regional public water supply is a matter for Irish Water. I know he has had engagements with it. Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has had statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. In turn, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, as environmental regulator is responsible for setting quality standards and enforcing compliance with EU directives and national regulations for the provision of drinking water. I understand from inquiries made with Irish Water that the boil water notice currently in place for the Whitegate public water supply was issued on 29 October 2022 following consultation between Irish Water, Cork County Council and the HSE. This boil water notice was issued to protect approximately 9,500 customers in Whitegate, Aghada, Churchtown, Ballycotton, Saleen, Shanagarry, Ballinacurra and areas of Cloyne. The notice was issued as a result of increased turbidity in the raw water, which can happen at this source as it is susceptible to raw water quality issues after rainfall events. Boil water notices have been issued for the Whitegate public water supply on a number of occasions in recent years, as the Deputy mentioned.

In the short term, upgrade works to the filters are under way and additional parts are on order, with delivery expected by the end of December. Following the implementation of these measures, the HSE will be asked to confirm that the criteria for lifting the boil water notice are met. The delivery of a new water treatment plant, as the permanent solution to the issues at Whitegate, is under way. I know the Deputy is aware of that. Irish Water is in the process of preparing an application for planning permission and engagement with prospective contractors has commenced. It is envisaged that the planning application will be lodged in the first quarter of 2023. Subject to the planning permission being granted by July 2023, the construction contract will be signed in the fourth quarter of 2023 with construction mobilised in the first quarter of 2024. The construction work would be due for completion in the last quarter of 2025. The information and data that are necessary to demonstrate that the new plant meets all applicable standards will be submitted to the EPA for its consideration for removal of the plant from the remedial action list.

The priority of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is to ensure that people's health is protected and that adequate water is available for all consumers. We all want to see this notice lifted without undue delay, but only when the HSE and the EPA have confirmed the water supply is safe. Both our water and wastewater systems require substantial and sustained investment to bring the systems up to the quality and resilience standards required of a modem service, to provide for population growth and to build resilience in the face of climate change. As part of budget 2023, the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, secured funding of over €1.65 billion to support water services. This includes €1.56 billion in respect of domestic water services provision by Irish Water. This overall investment will deliver significant improvements in our public water and wastewater services; support improved water supplies right across Ireland, including rural Ireland; and support a range of programmes aimed at delivering improved water quality in our rivers, lakes and marine area, thereby making a significant contribution to addressing Ireland's needs.

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