Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the Whitegate boil water notice issue. I apologise that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is not present, and I am dealing with this matter on his behalf. The issue of safe drinking water has both national and local importance and I appreciate the Deputy's concern for those communities affected.

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 Health Service Executive. 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 on Whitegate public water supply a number of times over the past few years. The Deputy will appreciate that the operation of Whitegate public water supply is a matter for Irish Water, which has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local level. I would have thought Irish Water would also have a responsibility for the health and well-being of the people in the community.

I understand that, in the short term, upgrade works to 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. In the longer term, the delivery of a new water treatment plant as the permanent solution to issues at Whitegate is under way and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Irish Water has a strong customer service focus through its water charges plan and customer charter, which outlines the standard of service customers should expect to receive. The water charges plan sets out a compensation mechanism when water quality is compromised and unfit for human consumption, such as when boil water and drinking water restriction notices apply. Business customers who pay charges are entitled to a rebate under the customer handbook, as agreed with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. Adjustments are made via the customers' bills.

This only applies to water used for drinking. Implementation of a water charges plan is a matter, in the first instance, for Irish Water. Any issue which cannot be resolved by Irish Water to the satisfaction of the customers can be referred under the formal complaints process for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. The Minister said that it is a priority to ensure that people's health is protected and that adequate water is available for all customers. We all want to see the notice lifted without undue delay.

I also take on board exactly what the Deputy laid out as the four key priorities. One is in respect of the cost to households which I will relay back to the Minister. The other is on the communication. For families who may have been away on holidays, or people moving into the area for the first time, not knowing about these issues can put themselves at risk. The Minister will engage with Irish Water on this as a priority because of the health and safety issues here.

Finally, as public representatives at a local and municipal area levels, the very minimum we would expect from Irish Water is that it would come before the local municipal authority and be accountable to the people who are accountable to the public.

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