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

I thank the Deputy again. I appreciate his interest in this matter and I understand his frustration. I acknowledge the patience and the co-operation of the residents and businesses in the Whitegate area who have been affected. This is 9,500 people over prolonged periods of time. The Government’s priority is to ensure that people’s health is protected and that adequate water is available for all consumers. We all want to see the notice lifted without undue delay but only when the HSE and the EPA have confirmed that water supply is safe. Both our water and wastewater systems require substantial sustained investment over a number of investment cycles to bring the system up to the quality and resilience standards required of modern services, to provide for population growth, and to build resilience in the face of climate change.

As part of budget 2023, the Minister secured, as I said earlier, funding of €1.65 billion to support water services. The overall investment will deliver significant improvements in the public water and wastewater services and will support improved water supplies right across Ireland, including rural Ireland. It supports a range of programmes delivering improved water quality in our rivers, lakes, and marine areas. Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representatives’ queries.

The Deputy makes some very valuable suggestions there on Irish Water in re-engaging with public representatives. I remember a time when Irish Water came into the House. These were some of the best clinics ever held in this House because we had a list - no matter whether it was in Deputy Stanton’s area, in my area or in Deputy Martin Kenny’s area - of constituents who were affected and impacted by such issues. When it is the health, safety and well-being of people, particularly in the area of Deputy Stanton where there are 9,500 people, I believe the Deputy’s ask in respect of clear communication and signage is completely valid. I acknowledge the issue of climate change but if Irish Water wants to use the back of our election posters to put up the notices, we can do that too.

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